Assessment and analysis of the lifestyle indices in regard to the status of nutrition and physical activity in middle-aged people ( between 30 and 59 years of age) in Kurdistan by using the data of apple system

Abstract

Bacground and Aim: Frequency rates of many non communicable diseases can be reduced by changing lifestyle. This study aimed to assess the status of lifestyle indices in relation to nutrition, physical activity and body mass index in middle-aged people referring to health centers in Kurdistan Province. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 5022 middle-aged (30-59 years old) in 2016. Sampling method was census. Demographic data about nutritional status, physical activity and body mass index were obtained from the apple system. Using SPSS software, data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, independent T-test and chi-square test. Results: 5022 participants with equal sex ratio and a mean age of 41.8 ± 12.46 years were entered into the study. In our study men had more physical activity during walking and working than women (p <0.001). About 74% of the participants were overweight or obese. The proportion of obesity in the women was higher (p <0.001). The proportion of obesity in people who walked more than 60 minutes/day was less than that in those who walked between 31-60 minutes/day (28% versus 38%) (p <0.001). In spite of optimal consumption of vegetables by both genders, 52% of the participants did not consume enough fruit. Approximately 76.5% of the people had used enough dairy products. The women used dairy productes less frequently compared to the men (70% versus 83%), (p <0.001). Conclusion: Overweight and obesity in the study population were at an alarming level. Obesity prevention programs for, middle-aged people should focus on encouraging physical activity, especially in women.

Keywords

• lifestyle
• nutrition
• physical activity
• middle age