BJGP Open (May 2017)

Hong Kong Chinese adults’ knowledge of exercise recommendations and attitudes towards exercise

  • Man Kin Wong,
  • Sai Yip Ronald Cheng,
  • Tsun Kit Chu,
  • Cheuk Nang Lee,
  • Jun Liang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgpopen17X100929
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 1, no. 2

Abstract

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Background: Physical inactivity is known to be one of the major risk factors for many chronic conditions. Aim: To determine Hong Kong Chinese adults’ physical activity (PA) knowledge, its relationship with certain variables including sex, education, age, and its correlation with different types of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and others. The Hong Kong Chinese adults' general attitudes towards PA will also be examined. Design & setting: Cross-sectional study in one primary care centre. Method: A randomized sample of Chinese adults aged >18 years with anonymous self-administered questionnaires. Results: The mean percentage of correct responses for exercise guidelines was 62.3%, 84.5% for traditional PA, and 48.4% for lifestyle PA, respectively. Traditional PA refers to exercises which use large muscle groups. Lifestyle PAs include activities which can be done throughout the day. The total mean percentage of correct responses was 67% (knowledge score 13.4 +/– 3.34). There were no significant differences between PA knowledge and sex, education levels, age groups, and presence of chronic diseases (P>0.05), but the knowledge level for lifestyle PA was less than that of traditional PA (P0.05). Two hundred and sixy-six (93.3%) responders reported a willingness to maintain or start exercise. Conclusion: The results suggest a need for more education about the latest PA recommendations, especially lifestyle PA. The weak correlation between PA knowledge and actual behaviour showed that PA knowledge itself might not affect PA behaviour. The enhancement of the general public’s knowledge, motivation, and psychosocial support along with stage-of-change interventions and the provision of counselling skills may result in PA behaviour change, which in turn can lead to the achievement of health benefits.

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