Epidemiology of physical inactivity in Poland: prevalence and determinants in a former communist country in socioeconomic transition.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to identify physical activity patterns and determinants of physical inactivity in a representative sample of Polish adults.


METHODS
A cross-sectional analysis of 14 769 randomly selected individuals (52.7% women and 47.3% men) aged 20-74 years participating in the National Polish Health Survey, WOBASZ (2002-2005).


METHODS
Sociodemographic and lifestyle details were collected. Assessment of physical activity was based on selected questions from the CINDI Health Monitor Questionnaire.


RESULTS
Approximately 35% of Polish adults are not physically active in leisure time, whilst 39.5% declare sufficient level of leisure-time physical activity. Leisure-time inactivity is significantly less likely in persons aged <35 years, those with university education and those living in rural areas. Almost 48% of men and 28.4% of women employed full- or part-time report highly active work, whilst sedentary work is reported by 42.7% of women and 30.2% of men. Low occupational activity is more prevalent in young adults, persons with university education and those living in large urban areas. Nearly 67% of the entire working population report no active commuting.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a need to promote various forms of physical activity, with special attention on active commuting and leisure-time activities across both genders and all age groups. Public health policies and programmes should focus on substantial differences between various sociodemographic groups.
Drygas
W
W
Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Medical University of Łódź, 90-752 Łódź, Poland.
Kwaśniewska
M
M
Kaleta
D
D
Pikala
M
M
Bielecki
W
W
Głuszek
J
J
Zdrojewski
T
T
Pajak
A
A
Kozakiewicz
K
K
Broda
G
G
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009790:Occupations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014186:Transportation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult