Influence of Socio-demographic Factors on Physical Activity Participation in a Sample of Adults in Penang, Malaysia
- Author:
Cheah YK
- Publication Type:Letter
- Keywords:
Physical activity participation, socio-demographic determinants
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2011;17(3):385-391
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Given the importance of physical activity to health, this study
investigated the socio-demographic determinants of physical activity
participation in a sample of adults in Penang. Methods: Through convenience
sampling, a total of 398 adults agreed to answer a prepared questionnaire on
their socio-demographic background and physical activity participation. The
data were analysed using the binary logit model. Frequent physical activity
participation is defined as taking part more than 11 times in leisure-time physical
activity such as swimming and jogging, each time lasting more than 15 minutes
in a typical month, whereas participation that is less than the frequency and
time duration specified above is referred to as infrequent physical activity.
Results: Age, male, being Chinese, high educational attainment, self-rated
excellent health status and presence of family illnesses are positively associated
with the likelihood of frequent participation in physical activity. On the contrary,
being married, having low income and residing in rural areas are inversely
related with the propensity of frequent physical activity participation.
Conclusion: The majority in this sample of adults do not participate in physical
activity frequently, and the reasons given include lack of health awareness,
limited leisure time, budget constraints, and lack of sports amenities.
- Full text:W020150714510883774952.pdf
