Physical inactivity is a major public health challenge and is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. Although the benefits of regular physical activity are well established, physical inactivity remains highly prevalent worldwide. Understanding the factors associated with physical activity participation is essential for developing effective public health strategies. This study investigated the factors associated with physical activity levels and preferences among adults in Türkiye. The findings provide evidence regarding demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial factors associated with physical activity participation and may contribute to the development of targeted interventions to promote physically active lifestyles.
Physical activity is an important determinant of health and plays a key role in the prevention and management of numerous chronic conditions. Despite the well-documented health benefits of regular physical activity, the prevalence of physical inactivity continues to increase globally, making it an important public health concern. Physical activity behavior is influenced by a complex interaction of demographic, behavioral, psychosocial, and environmental factors. Identifying these factors is essential for developing effective strategies to increase physical activity participation. This study was conducted to investigate the factors associated with physical activity levels and preferences among adults in Türkiye. The study explored the relationships between participant characteristics, previous physical activity experience, self-efficacy, and physical activity preferences in order to identify factors associated with physical activity participation. The findings contribute to a better understanding of physical activity behavior and may help guide the development of individualized and population-based strategies aimed at increasing physical activity participation.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
400
No intervention was administered. This was an observational, cross-sectional study in which participants completed study questionnaires at a single assessment.
Demiroglu Bilim University
Istanbul, Silivri, Turkey (Türkiye)
Collection Demographic and Clinical Information
Participants' demographic and clinical characteristics were collected using a participant assessment form developed by the research team and administered by a physiotherapist. The form included information on age, sex, height, weight, smoking status, educational attainment, occupation, and marital status.
Time frame: Baseline (Single Assessment)
Assessment of Factors Affecting PA Preferences and Levels
The participant assessment form included a series of questions designed to explore contextual factors associated with individuals' PA preferences and participation. Specifically, participants were asked about their preferred PA environment (e.g., home-based or outdoor settings), social context (e.g., individual or group participation), preferred time of day for PA (morning, afternoon, or evening), and preferred intensity of activity (light, moderate, or vigorous). These questions were included to identify factors that may facilitate or hinder PA engagement and determine identify contextual factors and personal characteristics associated with physical activity participation.
Time frame: Baseline (Single Assessment)
International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF)
The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) is a widely used instrument developed to assess individuals' physical activity levels during the previous seven days. The questionnaire consists of four domains: walking, moderate-intensity physical activity, vigorous-intensity physical activity, and sitting time. Scores are calculated in metabolic equivalent (MET)-minutes per week based on the reported frequency (days) and duration (minutes) of physical activities.
Time frame: Baseline (Single Assessment)
General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES)
The General Self-Efficacy Scale was used to assess individuals perceived self-efficacy. It is a 17-item Likert-type scale comprising three subscales: Initiation, Persistence in the Face of Obstacles, and Maintenance of Effort-Perseverance. Total scores range from 17 to 85, with higher scores indicating greater levels of self-efficacy.
Time frame: Baseline (Single Assessment)
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