Relationship between physical activity and socio-demographic characteristics of adults with asthma

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity is a simple and cost-effective means of prevention and cure for a gamut of chronic disorders and the adoption of a lifelong physical activity can be impacted by the demographic composition of populations in health and disease.

Objective: This cross-sectional survey was undertaken to assess the physical activity levels of individuals with asthma and their relationship with socio-demographic characteristics.

Methods: A total of 71 individuals with asthma aged ≥18 years (mean age = 40.28±11.40 years) attending the Pulmonology clinic of Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano, North-Western Nigeria were selected using purposive sampling. Physical activity levels in Metabolic Equivalents (METs) were estimated using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire while socio-demographic characteristics were obtained from case notes and confirmed by the study participants. Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, percentage and frequency were used to summarize relevant data whereas the relationship between physical activity and socio-demographic characteristics was determined using Pearson product-moment correlation at a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: With a mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25.50±5.50 kg/m², study participants had an overall mean physical activity score of 3,519.64±3,232.59 METs. Almost 86% (n = 61) of them were active with METs of ≥600 while 14% had METs of <600. BMI correlated significantly with overall physical activity score (r = 0.24, p = 0.045) but there was no significant correlation between this and each of level of education (r = 0.12, p = 0.33), age (r = -0.11, p = 0.37) and gender (r = -0.08, p =0.52). 

Conclusion: It was concluded that in adults with asthma, BMI is a potential determinant, perhaps a stimulating factor, in the performance of physical activity.