title: Physical activity, sex, and socioeconomic status: A population based study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of the present study was to investigate physical activity by socioeconomic status (SES) and sex in an Iranian adult population.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a cross-sectional study, 6622 adults, who participated in the Isfahan Healthy Heart program (IHHP) surveys in 2004 and 2005 and were living in urban areas, were studied. Daily leisure time, household, occupational, and transportation physical activity, and total physical activity were calculated and compared in 3 socioeconomic status groups classified by the two-step cluster analysis procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Statistically significant variations were found in all physical activity levels, except transportation, by sex. Men were more active than women in all fields, except household physical activity. Leisure time physical activity of men and women were significantly higher in higher SES levels. There was an opposite correlation between SES and total physical activity in men.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Considering the importance of physical activity as a component of a healthy lifestyle, differences among varying socioeconomic status and sex must be considered while planning for healthy lifestyle programs. Women with low SES, in particular, may need more attention.
authors.affiliation: General Practitioner, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical.
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Talaei
authors.forename: Katayoun
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rabiei
authors.forename: Zahra
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Talaei
authors.forename: Negar
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Amiri
authors.forename: Behzad
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zolfaghari
authors.forename: Payam
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kabiri
authors.forename: Nizal
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sarrafzadegan
keywords: Cluster Analysis; Gender; Leisure Time; Physical Activity; Socioeconomic Status