The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status and Mean Physical Activity in Older Adults in Selseleh County, Iran, in 2021

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of MPH, School of Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

2 Department of Health Management, School of Health, Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

3 Department of Biostatistics, School of Health, Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

4 Department of Public Health, School of Health, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

10.34172/jhad.1186

Abstract

Background: The global population aged 60 years and above is projected to increase from 1.1 billion in 2023 to 1.4 billion by 2030. Regular physical activity is a crucial health-promoting behavior for older adults, playing a significant role in preventing and delaying various chronic diseases and premature mortality. This study investigated the relationship between socioeconomic status and physical activity among older adults residing in Selseleh County, Lorestan Province. Iran.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 500 older adults from Selseleh County, Lorestan Province, Iran, selected through multi-stage random sampling. In the first stage, proportional quota sampling based on health centers was used to allocate a sample size commensurate with the older adult population of each center. In the second stage, all health houses and health sites under the coverage of each center were alphabetically ordered, the number of older adults in each house or health sites was specified, and then sample numbers were randomly selected. Finally, the participants in the study were identified through the SIB system and enrolled in the study.
Resulte: Overall, the mean physical activity score was 124.11 ± 30.28 minutes per week (males: 155.12 ± 51.93 minutes; females: 88.71 ± 24.42 minutes). Moreover, 43.0% of the participants reported low physical activity, 22.0% reported moderate activity, and 35.0% reported high activity. Data showed a significant inverse relationship between education level, socioeconomic status, age, and physical activity (P < 0.001). A significant relationship was found between marital status and physical activity (P < 0.001), with married individuals exhibiting higher mean physical activity compared to other groups (single, divorced, and widowed individuals). Furthermore, a significant relationship was observed between gender, place of residence, and mean physical activity (P < 0.001), with higher means noted in rural areas and among males.
Conclusion: The findings from this study indicated that the majority of older adults surveyed engaged in low to moderate physical activity. Given that the World Health Organization identifies the level of physical activity and mobility as the primary health indicator for a community, implementing effective programs and creating the necessary infrastructure for promoting physical activity among older adults appears essential.

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References

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Health and Development Journal
Volume 13, Issue 4
December 2024
Pages 179-186

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History

  • Receive Date: 01 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 18 June 2025
  • Accept Date: 25 June 2025

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