Patterns of leisure time physical activity and its determinants among a sample of adults from Kielce region, Poland - the 'PONS' study.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence, socio-demographic patterns and behavioural characteristics of leisure time physical activity in a pilot group of respondents of the Polish-Norwegian Study (PONS).


METHODS
PONS is an open-ended prospective study set in Świętokrzyski Province with study cohort consisting of adults aged 45-64 years. The physical activity section of the questionnaire was based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.


RESULTS
43% of the respondents had not walked for at least 10 minutes in their leisure time during the last week. The majority did not engage in any moderate or vigorous physical activity (PA). Being physically active was more prevalent among residents of urban areas and among respondents with a higher level of education. Performing PA was also positively associated with higher net income per household member. On average, respondents had spent 47 hours in a sedentary position during last week. The majority of subjects reported watching TV for 6-20 hours per week. Not having enough time and lack of willingness were given as the main reasons for being inactive.


CONCLUSIONS
A significant proportion of participants were inactive in their leisure time, even activity less than 10 minutes during the last 7 days was common. Walking was the most popular form of PA in this domain. Urban residence, higher level of education and better financial situation were strongly associated with higher levels of PA.
Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention, Maria Skłodowska-Curie Cancer Centre and Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland. lobaszewski@coi.waw.pl
Jakub
J
Łobaszewski
Krzysztof
K
Przewoźniak
Katarzyna
K
Zatońska
Andrzej
A
Wojtyła
Jerzy
J
Bylina
Marta
M
Mańczuk
Witold A
WA
Zatoński
D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D011044:Poland; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016138:Walking