[Predictors of physical activity in Korean older adults: distinction between urban and rural areas].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare the predictors of physical activity between urban and rural dwelling Korean older adults.


METHODS
This study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey. A self-report questionnaire or face to face interviews were used to collect data from 336 older adults (urban: 129, rural: 207) who visited public health centers or welfare centers in 2008.


RESULTS
About half of the participants (urban: 50.4%, rural: 47.3%) were classified as the minimally active group. Cognitive function (odds ratio [OR]=1.106, p=.004) and loneliness (OR=0.965, p=.044) were predicting factors for physical activity in rural elderly. Age (OR=0.326, p=.037), gender (OR=2.841, p=.021) and depression (OR=0.799, p<.001) were significant factors predicting physical activity in urban elders.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings provide information that is relevant in designing interventions to enhance physical activity in older adults. There is a need to develop effective mutifaceted physical activity interventions that include reducing psychological barriers such as depression, loneliness.
Park
Seungmi
S
Department of Nursing middle dot in circle The Research Institute for Basic Sciences, Hoseo University, Asan, Korea.
Park
Yeon-Hwan
YH
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003071:Cognition; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008132:Loneliness; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D056910:Republic of Korea; D012424:Rural Population; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population