RESEARCH PAPER
Patterns of leisure time physical activity and its determinants among a sample of adults from Kielce region, Poland – the ‘PONS’ study
 
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1
Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention, Maria Skłodowska-Curie Cancer Centre and Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
 
2
Department of Social Medicine, Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland; Clinic of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Diabetics Unit, Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
 
3
Department of Health Promotion, Food and Nutrition, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland
 
4
Department of Computer Science and Health Statistic, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland
 
5
European Health Inequalities Observatory, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland
 
 
Ann Agric Environ Med. 2011;18(2):241-245
 
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence, socio-demographic patterns and behavioural characteristics of leisure time physical activity in a pilot group of respondents of the Polish-Norwegian Study (PONS).

Material and Methods:
PONS is an open-ended prospective study set in Świętokrzyski Province with study cohort consisting of adults aged 45-64 years. The physical activity section of the questionnaire was based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Results:
43% of the respondents had not walked for at least 10 minutes in their leisure time during the last week. The majority did not engage in any moderate or vigorous physical activity (PA). Being physically active was more prevalent among residents of urban areas and among respondents with a higher level of education. Performing PA was also positively associated with higher net income per household member. On average, respondents had spent 47 hours in a sedentary position during last week. The majority of subjects reported watching TV for 6-20 hours per week. Not having enough time and lack of willingness were given as the main reasons for being inactive.

Conclusions:
A significant proportion of participants were inactive in their leisure time, even activity less than 10 minutes during the last 7 days was common. Walking was the most popular form of PA in this domain. Urban residence, higher level of education and better financial situation were strongly associated with higher levels of PA.

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eISSN:1898-2263
ISSN:1232-1966
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