Current knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards physical activity (PA) and its impact on obesity management in Bangladesh: A cross‐sectional study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Bangladeshi people's current knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on obesity and physical activity (PA), as well as the associated factors. METHODS: The KAP was evaluated using a standard questionnaire among 429 individuals, of whom 75.5% were men and had a mean age (±SD) of 28.9 ± 7.9 years. Using a mobile‐based KoBo toolbox v.25.0 program, information was gathered from respondents who resided in various districts. A Chi‐square test and a linear regression test were performed to determine the relationship between the variables, and a one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to the determine differences in means. RESULTS: The study showed that more than 95% of participants had good knowledge level, although the attitude and practice levels were low. Based on ANOVA test, the mean knowledge score was significantly different (p < 0.05) with age, marital status, and education; attitude levels with education and body mass index (BMI); and practice levels with education, residence, marital status, and BMI. Linear regression analysis exhibited: the level of knowledge was associated with age (β = −5.34), BMI (β = 3.67), and attitude (β = 0.46) while the level of attitude was associated with education (β = 2.26), BMI (β = −2.42), knowledge (β = 0.2) and practice levels (β = 0.18); and finally, the level of practice was associated with education (β = −3.29), BMI (β = −4.5) and attitude (β = 0.35). CONCLUSION: The increased prevalence of obesity among the Bangladeshi population was indicated by optimal levels of knowledge but inadequate levels of attitude and practice toward PA. So, proper initiatives should be taken to educate people on the importance of regular PA to manage obesity by policymakers and the government.