Prevalence and factors associated with physical inactivity among older adults in Malaysia: A cross‐sectional study. (28th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chan, Ying Ying; Lim, Kuang Kuay; Omar, Mohd Azahadi; Mohd Yusoff, Muhammad Fadhli; Sooryanarayana, Rajini; Ahmad, Noor Ani; Abd Razak, Mohamad Aznuddin; Baharudin@Shaharuddin, Azli; Mahmud, Nur Azna; Mahmud, Mohd Amierul Fikri; Abdul Mutalip, Mohd Hatta; Mohd Hairi, Noran Naqiah
• Is Part Of: Geriatrics and gerontology international. Volume 20(2020)Supplement 2
• Page Start: 49
• Page End: 56
• Publication Date: 2020-12-28
• Subjects: Malaysia -- National Health and Morbidity Survey -- older adults -- physical inactivity -- prevalence; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Japan -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Japan -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1111/ggi.13977
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1444-1586

Abstract

Abstract : Aim: Physical inactivity in older adults is linked to increased risk of chronic diseases, disability and various poor health outcomes. As the aging population rises, the prevalence of diseases associated with aging also increases. Regular physical activity in older adults is important to improve overall health and promote healthy aging. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with physical inactivity among older adults in Malaysia. Methods: This study was based on 3969 Malaysian older adults aged ≥60 years who completed the physical activity module in the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2018, a population‐based cross‐sectional survey. Physical activity was measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire through a face‐to‐face interview. Participants were classified as physically active or inactive. Associations between physical inactivity, sociodemographic characteristics and a range of selected independent variables were examined using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Overall, three out of 10 (29.8%) Malaysian older adults were physically inactive. Results of multivariable analysis showed that older age group (≥80 years), of Bumiputera Sarawak ethnicity, unemployed/retirees/homemakers, functional limitation, diabetes mellitus and dementia were significantly associated with a higher risk of physical inactivity. Women, with secondary education level and good social support were less likely to be physically inactive. Conclusions: The present study reported the status of physical inactivity among older adults in Malaysia. There is the need to design effective public health programs and interventions to promote active living and healthy aging among Malaysian older adults, particularly in those at‐risk older population subgroups. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 49–56 .