Leisure Time Physical Activity and Associated Factors among Adults in Estonia 2000–2018

Abstract

In order to implement evidence-based strategies, there is a need to assess (1) time trend in leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and (2) the relationship between trend of LTPA and trend of potential explanatory factors in Estonia from 2000 to 2018. Data from 25−64-year-old adults (n = 16,903) were drawn from cross-sectional surveys of Health Behavior among Estonian Adult Population. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to calculate annual percentage changes (APCs) and to identify whether there was a significant change in trends of LTPA. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations of LTPA with socioeconomic, health-related and health-behavioral factors. Prevalence of LTPA increased from 26.2% to 44.1% among men and from 28.0% to 40.6% among women from 2000 to 2018 (p < 0.001). Average APC for men was 3.4% (95% CI 2.6−4.3) and for women 2.4% (95% CI 1.4−3.4). Adjusted logistic regression model showed that LTPA was statistically significantly associated with higher education and income, economic inactivity, at-least-good self-rated health (SRH) and non-smoking. Interaction of SRH with study year was significant indicating that the association of at-least-good SRH changed over time (p = 0.016). Health promotion activities should be addressed in particular to adults with lower levels of LTPA, paying attention to the factors associated with LTPA.