PREVALENCE OF PHYSICAL INACTIVITY AND ASSOCITED FACTORS AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN GONDAR TOWN, NORTH WEST ETHIOPIA, 2022: CROSS-SECTINAL STUDY

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Older adults are increasing in number in both developed and developing countries. However, they are at risk of leading inactive lifestyles, including physical inactivity. Physical inactivity is a major public health concern and it is the fourth modifiable risk factor for non-communicable disease mortality and a major contributing factor to disability. Currently, the number of physically inactive adults and non-communicable diseases is increasing in Ethiopia. As a result, the purpose of this study was to assess physical inactivity and its associated factors among older adults in Gondar town. Objective: This study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of physical inactivity among older adults in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among older adults in Gondar town from April to June in 2022. A single population proportion formula was used to calculate a total of 838 older adults; the sample size was selected by systematic random sampling methods. The data was collected by using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire through a face-to-face interview. Data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics, binary and multivariate logistic regression analysis methods. Probability value less than 0.05 with a 95% Confidence interval was considered statistically significant in multivariate analysis. For data entry and statistical analysis, Epinfo version 7.1 and Statistical Package of Social Science version 26 were used respectively. Result: A total of 838 participants were included in this study, with a response rate of 91.1%. The overall prevalence of physical inactivity of older adults in Gondar town was 65.6%

Conclusion: Almost two-thirds of the participants of older adults in this study were physically inactive. Being female, age, low levels of education, unemployment, and those having depression symptoms were associated with physical inactivity. Keywords: Physical inactivity, older adults, prevalence, factors, Global Physical Activity Questioner