The Burden of non-Communicable Diseases Attributable to Physical Inactivity in Türkiye

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally. In Türkiye, the prevalence of physical inactivity is notably high, ranking third in Europe, with 44.4% of the population classified as physically inactive. This study aims to estimate the population attributable fractions (PAFs) of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes (DM), stroke, dementia, depression, and hypertension cases, deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) due to physical inactivity in Türkiye. Data on physical inactivity prevalence and NCDs’ incidences, mortalities and DALYs were sourced from recent national surveys and Global Burden of Disease study. Relative risks (RRs) were obtained from global meta-analyses. PAFs were calculated using Levin’s equation. PAFs of physical inactivity were 16.7% for dementia, 11.6% for depression, 9.5% for stroke, 8.8% for CHD, 7.1% for type 2 diabetes and 3.1% for hypertension. Between 3.7% (for hypertension) and 17,5% (for dementia) of NCD deaths and 3.4% (for hypertension) and 17.1% (for dementia) of the DALYs due to NCDs examined in this study were attributable to insufficient physical activity. The burden was more significant among women and older ages.This study emphasizes the need for promoting physical activity and implement interventions focusing particularly on women and the elderly to reduce the burden of NCDs in Türkiye.