Economic correlates of physical activity in adults

Abstract

Background. Physical activity plays an immensely significant role in the prevention and treatment of diseases that often lead to premature death. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between physical activity of adults and determinants of their financial situation such as steady income, per capita income, savings, and indebtedness.Material and methods. The study was carried out between 2014 and 2015 in Wroclaw, Poland on a group of 4332 residents aged 18 to 64 years. The respondents' habitual physical activity levels and income status were assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the author's own Socio-Economic Status of Working Age People Questionnaire (S-ESQ), respectively.Results. There are positive correlations between physical activity level and socio-economic status. Steady income and per capita income are two determinants of differences in physical activity in individuals over 44 years of age. The highest level of physical activity was noted in adults with a steady income of more than USD 542 per month. Respondents with savings were also more physically active than their counterparts without savings. Finally, Wroclaw residents who were without debts and who were aged 18-44 years were more physically active than were financially indebted residents.Conclusions. Actions should be undertaken to enhance physical activity of those adults remaining in a poor socio-economic situation. PU - TERMEDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE LTD PI - POZNAN PA - KLEEBERGA ST 2, POZNAN, 61-615, POLAND