Knowledge of the physical activity guidelines and factors associated with physical activity participation among adults in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Objectives We assessed knowledge of the physical activity guidelines and factors associated with physical activity participation among adults in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia. Design A cross-sectional study of 590 adults in Harar town with face-to-face interview. Results Only 27% of participants had good knowledge of the physical activity guidelines. The extent of physical activity participation was 54% (95% CI 50.0% to 58.4%). Male participants (adjusted OR (AOR) 2.14; 95% CI 1.49 to 3.07), educational status of college diploma and above (AOR 2.06; 95% CI 1.09 to 3.89), sitting less than 2 hours per day (AOR 1.82; 95% CI: 1.17% to 2.83%) and good knowledge of physical activity (AOR 3.03; 95% CI 1.98 to 4.64) were associated with physical activity participation. Conclusions There is limited knowledge of physical activity guideline in the study area.