Determinants of Physical Activity among Older Urban Population in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Bimba, Wickramarachchi (2021) Determinants of Physical Activity among Older Urban Population in Colombo, Sri Lanka. PhD thesis, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.

PDF (Please get the password by email to repository@unimas.my, or call ext: 3914/ 3942/ 3933) Bimba Ivanthi Wickramarachchi ft.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (6MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Population ageing and urbanisation have contributed to an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases burden in Sri Lanka. Understanding the epidemiology of physical activity (PA) in older people is vital for implementing primary prevention efforts in health promotion. Despite the public health importance, there is a significant knowledge gap of PA among the urban-dwelling older population in Sri Lanka and has prevented primary prevention efforts of health promotion among an increasing ageing population. Thus, this study is aimed at identifying PA status and its determinants among the urban-dwelling older population in Colombo, Sri Lanka. A cross-sectional survey involving 880 urban-dwelling older people was conducted using a multi-stage cluster sampling technique. Physical activity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire - version 2. Individual, social and environmental determinants of PA of older people were assessed using a structured multi-dimensional questionnaire based on the socio-ecological model. Data were analysed using SPSS (version 25). Physical activity participation was presented by prevalence, intensity and domains of PA (Activity at work, active transport and leisure time activities). Associations between individual, social and environmental factors with PA were determined using binary and multivariate logistic regression models. Significance level was set at 5% (p < 0.05). Homer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit (H-L goodness-of-fit) test determined the overall model-fit. Odds ratios (OR) more than one indicated the likelihood of being inactive. The response rate was 81.6%. Mean age of the participants was 70 years (SD = ± 6.0 years), and the majority were females (75%). Of the total, 63.2% were in the low-income category and 81.9% had completed secondary level education. Overall, about 79% of the participants were sufficiently physically active and 52.7% were highly active. Women and those who have come from low-income brackets were more active than the participants from other categories (p < 0.05). The total median MET/Week (95% CI) of PA was 3360 (960 - 5520). Activity at work accounted for the highest portion of the total PA [(median (95% CI) = 2400 (240 - 4800)]. In men, fat percentage, waist circumference, balance (semi tandem position) and health status (presence of other diseases, self-rated health (SRH) and frequency of doctor’s visits) were found to be significant determinants of PA (p < 0.05). In women, age, income, body mass index (BMI), strength (Leg strength and hand grip strength (HGS)), balance (tandem stance position), health status (SRH), pain or ache and frequency of doctor’s visits) were found to be the significant determinants of PA (p < 0.05). Social or environmental factors were not significantly associated with PA in both men and women. Older people in the age groups 70 to 79 years and 80+ years were more likely to be physically inactive as compared to 60 to 69 years aged group (OR = 2.4, p < 0.001 and OR = 1.87, p < 0.05 respectively). Women in the middle-income category were more likely to be physically inactive compared to those from the low-income categories (OR = 2.2, p < 0.05). In conclusion, the older urban population in Sri Lanka is found to be sufficiently physically active. Activity at work is the most prevalent domain of PA, probably due to poor socio-economic conditions in this target population. Promotion of leisure-time PA in older people need to be prioritized to enhance psychological well-being among them. The PA behaviour in the study population seems to be largely determined by the individual factors. Individual factors associated with PA found in this study should be addressed vigorously in old-age PA promotion activities. However, further research in social and environmental determinants of PA in older people in urban areas would be further studied to confirm the findings. Keywords: Determinants, older urban people, physical activity, Sri Lanka

Actions (For repository members only: login required)

View Item