The Prevalence and Pattern of Physical Activity and Its Relation to Socio-Demographic Correlates among the Population in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Background:-Although promoting a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity is essential to preventing chronic diseases, little is known about the prevalence of physical activity and its correlation to socioeconomic factors among the population of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. Thus, this study aims to explore the prevalence and pattern of physical activity and its relation to socio-demographic correlates among this population. Methods:-A web-based cross-sectional convenience non-probability study was used study to choose 385 participants aged->18 from Makkah's general population between May 2023 and September 2023. The Arabic version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), which had previously been validated, was used to explore physical activity. The exact probability test and the Pearson chi-square test were used to evaluate the correlation between social-demographic factors and physical activity. Results:-Overall, exactly 105 (27.3%) of the study participants engaged in physical activity, of whom 15.1% practiced walking, 9.6% practiced weightlifting/bodybuilding, 0.3% played football, and 1.3% practiced other types. The predominant reasons cited for not engaging in physical activity were time insufficiency, reported by 60%, lack of interest (19.3%), lack of suitable places (16.4%), and health limitations (4.3%). Conclusion:-We found that majority of the studied participants were physically inactive; lack of time is their main barrier. There is a need to encourage and motivate them to engage in physical activity to cultivate a healthy lifestyle in the general population.