Prevalence of insufficient physical activity among adult residents of Tehran: a cross-sectional report from Tehran Cohort Study (TeCS)

Abstract

Abstract Background Insufficient physical activity (PA) is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and one of the leading causes of premature mortality worldwide. This study examined the prevalence and independent determinants of insufficient PA among adults resident of Tehran utilizing Tehran Cohort Study Data (TeCS). Method We used the recruitment phase data from the TeCS with complete data on PA. PA was assessed through a Likert-scaled question and categorized into three groups. Utilizing data from the 2016 national census, the age- and sex-weighted prevalence of insufficient PA in Tehran was determined. The adjusted logistic regression model is used to neutralize influencing factors and determine the factors associated with insufficient PA. Result The weighted prevalence of insufficient PA was 16.9% among the 8213 adult citizens of Tehran, with a greater prevalence among females (19.0% vs. 14.8% among males). Additionally, older age groups, unemployed, housewives, and illiterate educated participants displayed a much higher prevalence of insufficient PA (p < 0.001). Moreover, Tehran’s central and southern districts had higher rates of insufficient PA. Concerning the adjusted regression model, older age (Odds ratio [OR]: 4.26, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 3.24–5.60, p < 0.001), a lower education level (p < 0.001), unemployment (OR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.28–2.55, p = 0.001), being a housewife (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.15–1.80, p = 0.002), higher body mass index (BMI) (OR for BMI > 30: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.56–2.18, p < 0.001), opium consumption (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.46–2.52, p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.06–1.48, p = 0.008), hypertension (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.11–1.50, p = 0.001), and coronary artery diseases (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.05–1.61, p = 0.018), were significantly associated with insufficient PA. Conclusions The identified associated factors serve as a valuable guide for policymakers in developing tailored intervention strategies to address the needs of high-risk populations, particularly among older adults and females.