Factors associated with low physical activity in adults aged 40–70 years: a cross-sectional population-based study

Abstract Background Low physical activity is an important risk factor for non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with low physical activity among adults in southern Iran. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 10,663 adults aged 40–70 years in southern Iran between 2015 and 2017. Demographic characteristics and underlying diseases were assessed. The age-standardized prevalence rate of low physical activity was calculated. Descriptive statistics summarized the data. The data were analyzed using the independent-samples t-test, chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression in SPSS version 16, with a significance level of 0.05. Results The age-standardized prevalence rate of low physical activity was 90.7% among participants. The mean participant age was 51.94 ± 8.27 years. In adjusted logistic regression, female sex was significantly associated with higher odds of low physical activity compared with male sex (OR = 13.30, 95% CI: 9.66–18.32). High school/university education was significantly associated with higher odds of low physical activity compared with illiteracy (OR = 4.20, 95% CI: 3.07–5.74). Obesity was also significantly associated with higher odds of low physical activity compared with normal weight (OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.62–3.22). Furthermore, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, older age, and higher socioeconomic status were also associated with low physical activity. Conclusion The prevalence of low physical activity in Kharameh was relatively high compared with other regions. These results may help health policymakers develop appropriate strategies to increase physical activity levels, particularly among women, while considering cultural, religious, and social conditions.