Prevalence and associated factors of physical inactivity among middle-aged and older adults in India: results of a national cross-sectional community survey

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of physical inactivity in middle-aged and older adults in India.

Design: Population-based cross-sectional study.

Setting: Nationally representative sample of general community-dwelling middle-aged and older adult population in India.

Participants: The sample included 72 262 adults (45 years and older, mean age 58.8 years, SD=11.8), from the longitudinal ageing study in India wave 1 in 2017-2018.

Primary and secondary outcome measures: Self-reported physical activity, along with physical measurements, health status and health behaviour, and sociodemographic covariates. Multivariable logistic regression calculated OR with 95% CI for physical inactivity.

Results: Overall, 36.7% were physically inactive, 42.6% among men, and 32.4% among women (p<0.001). In the adjusted logistic regression analysis, among both men and women, older age (70 years and older), being Sikh, impaired vision and depressive symptoms were positively and cognitive functioning, current tobacco use and social participation were negatively associated with physical inactivity. In addition, among men, higher socioeconomic status, urban residence, functional disability and heart disease or stroke were positively associated with physical inactivity, and among women being married and higher education were negatively, and insomnia symptoms and poor or fair self-rated health status were positively associated with physical inactivity.

Conclusions: Almost 4 in 10 middle-aged and older adults in India had inadequate physical activity. Overall and gender specific risk factors for physical inactivity were identified. Interventions may operate at multiple levels and consider gender-related physical inactivity patterns.

Keywords: PREVENTIVE MEDICINE; PUBLIC HEALTH; SPORTS MEDICINE.