Assessment of physical activity status in adults admitted for heart disease check-up and the relationship between their physical activity status and sociodemographic features, habits and illnesses

ABSTRACT Assessment of Physical Activity Status in Adults Admitted for Heart Disease Check-up and the Relationship Between Their Physical Activity Status and Sociodemographic Features, Habits and Illnesses Despite the fact that invariable risk factors such as hereditary, play an important role in health status, physical activity, eating habits, alcohol consumption and smoking are among the important personal risk factors that can be changed. Many researches have shown that regular and effective exercise has been beneficial for many illnesses such as cardiovascular problems. This study aims to find out physical activity status of the participants volunteered for heart disease check-up and the relationship between their physical activity status and sociodemographic features, eating habits, smoking, the use of alcohol and existency of illnesses. A total of 756 people participated in the study between May 1999 and June 1999. As to use in laboratory examinations, the participants' blood samples were taken. In addition, their height, weight and blood pressure were measured and electrocardiograms were performed. Following the administration of questionnaire, each participant was physically examined and offered suggestions. All indexes (work, leissure-time, sports, total) obtained by using Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire (in the adapted form with three more questions) were analysed. The obtained data were analysed by using two computer programmes: Epi Info 6.04 and SPSS 9.0. 27.6% of the participants have declared that they have been involved in sports. Watching television was found to be the most preferred leissure-time activity. Work index in women and leissure-time index in men were found to be high and this was statistically significant All the indexes of participants with stroke, hypertension and cardiovascular disease were lower than the indexes of participants who do not have such health problems. However, the relationship was not found to be statistically significant (p>0.05). The sports indexes of the participants who have hypertension, cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in their family members were higher than those of participants without such problems in their families. The difference between the results of groups was also statistically significant (p<0.05). There was a lineer correlation between physical activity and HDL cholesterol. Special strategies for risk groups need to be developed in order to increase physical activity which is regular, effective and continuous. It is recommended that families, schools, institutions, media and all health professionals-particularly ones in primary care-should take part in dealing with this issue. Key Words: habit, physical activity, illness, sociodemographic features X