Prevalence of low physical activity, its predictors and knowledge regarding being overweight/obesity: A community-based study from urban South India

INTRODUCTION: Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for mortality and morbidity as per the World Health Organisation (WHO). The current study was conducted in the city of Erode, Tamil Nadu, South India, to estimate the prevalence and predictors of low physical activity (LPA) and assess their knowledge with regards to being overweight/obesity. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study conducted over 24 months from July 2015 to June 2017. Multi-stage random sampling was done in 12 randomly chosen corporation wards. All consenting individuals above 18 years of age were included. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire incorporating the validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). RESULTS: For the study, 489 individuals were screened and 461 were included. Prevalence of LPA was 49.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]:45.34%, 54.46%). The significant predictors (adjusted odds ratio [OR] [95% CI]) of LPA were patient education 1.129 (1.006, 1.2670); unemployment (2.418 [1.610, 3.631]) and knowledge score (5.172 [1.314, 9.423] 27). In the knowledge assessment, 60.3% of the participants scored less than 50%. The significant predictors of poor knowledge were marital status (unmarried) (3.857 [1.341, 11.091]), lower educational status (1.191 [1.009, 1.362]) and low socioeconomic status (SES) (1.050 [1.005, 1.121]). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of LPA in our population is fairly high and there is gross knowledge inadequacy.