Self-reported physical activity and associated health factors among individuals attending an urban HIV and sexual health clinic in the UK: a secondary analysis of a clinic-based cross-sectional survey

Low levels of physical activity are associated with negative health consequences such as metabolic syndrome and depression, particularly among people living with HIV. Contemporary data on physical activity levels among people living with HIV in the United Kingdom are limited. In a cross-sectional survey, 280 respondents' (217 (78%) individuals living with and 62 (22%) without HIV) physical activity was assessed using the validated General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ). Socio-demographic characteristics and health factors were collected. A third of the respondents (33.21%) reported being physically active. Living with HIV (OR 0.35 (95%CI 0.19-0.62)), older age (OR 0.97 (95%CI 0.95-0.99)), Black ethnic background (OR 0.33 (95%CI 0.09-1.17)) and smoking (OR 0.55 (95%CI 0.27-1.11)) were associated with lower odds of being physically active in the univariate analyses. Risky alcohol consumption (OR 1.72 (95%CI 0.98-3.08)) and irregular dietary habits (OR 2.09 (95%CI 1.19-3.68)) were associated with being physically active. In the fully adjusted model, only the association between physical activity and HIVstatus persisted. Participants living with HIV were 59% less likely to report being physically active (adjusted OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.21-0.79). The low proportion of reported physical activity suggests a potential role for screening and guidance for exercise among HIV and sexual health clinic attendees.