Physical activity and associated factors in the spanish population ≥65years

Resumen

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the physical activity (PA) levels and associated factors in the Spanish population ≥65 years. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed including people ≥65 years from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017. Groups of PA were set using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire as low (LPA), moderate (MPA) and vigorous (VPA). A total of 1,711 subjects were studied. The prevalence of each PA level was estimated, along with the 95% confidence intervals (CI). A logistic regression model was fitted, with PA level as the dependent variable and the following independent variables: sociodemographic factors (age, gender, marital status and studies level), health factors (degree of limitation and pain, self-perceived health status, mental health, illness diagnosis, drug consumption, hospital admissions andemergencies visits) and lifestyle (tobacco and alcohol consumption, body mass index and health eating index). Results: A 5.6% of the sample performed LPA, 15% MPA and 3.8% VPA. Taking LPA as a reference, people with greater self-perceived health status were more likely to perform MPA (OR=0.938;CI95%=0.842-1.045) and VPA (OR=1.144;CI95%=0.432-0.862). Also, people with a lower degree of limitation were more likely to perform MPA (OR=0.502;CI95%=0.402-0.626) and VPA (OR=0.277;CI95%=0.191-0.402). Having bad mental health was a risk factor for MPA(OR=1.639;CI95%=1.160-2.317) and VPA (OR=2.166;CI95%=1.172-4.005), as well as not taking painkiller specifically for VPA (OR=1.869;CI95%=1.270-2.751).Conclusions: Better self-perceived health status, good mental health and not taking painkillerswere associated with higher levels of PA. PA programs are needed to improve the overall healthof people ≥65 years.