Factors That Influence Physical Activity Among Older Adults Living in Rural Community in Wangthong District, Phitsanulok, Thailand

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the individual, interpersonal, and environmental factors that relate to physical activity (PA) among older adults in rural communities in Wangthong district, Phitsanulok, Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 545 elders by multi-stage sampling. The data were collected via a validated questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify potential determinants of PA. Factors including youngest-old (adjusted OR 1.55, 95% CI [1.05–2.28]), high level of income (adjusted OR 1.89, 95% CI [1.17–3.19]), being a member of the elders’ club (adjusted OR 1.68, 95% CI [1.15–2.46]), and high level of perceived self-efficacy (adjusted OR 1.79, 95% CI [1.23–2.61]) indicated higher likelihood of PA ( p < .05). Interventions to improve PA among older people should include improving physical environmental attributes, creating more inexpensive and less time-consuming alternatives for PA, promoting peer support networks and activities to enhance self-efficacy.