A Study to Estimate the Level of Physical Activity and Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Exercise among Women in Coastal Karnataka Mallya Sneha Deepak1, Kumar Pawan2,*, Reddy T Sravan Kumar3, James Beulah Sarah3, Kamath Asha4 1Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 2Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 3Post Graduate, Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 4Professor and Head, Department of Statistics, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India *Corresponding Author: Dr Pawan Kumar Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India-576104 Email: pawan.kumar@manipal.edu
Online published on 21 February, 2019. Abstract Background Insufficient physical activity is a known risk factor for major non-communicable diseases. While the health benefits of physical activity are well established, women are known to have suboptimal levels of physical activity. Studying the perceived benefits and barriers to exercise can help to improve physical activity among women. Objective To study the perceived benefits and barriers to exercise and the associated factors among women To assess the level of physical activity among the women Methodology A community based cross sectional study was conducted among women aged 18–49 years. The Exercise Benefits and Barrier Scale (EBBS) was used to assess benefits and barriers to exercise. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity. Results The study included 181 participants with mean (SD) age of 35.2(8.4) yrs. Enhancement of physical endurance (98.4%) and improvement of overall body functioning (97.8%) were the most commonly perceived benefits. Tiredness (52.5%) due to exercise and lack of convenient schedules in exercise facilities (52.0%) were the most common perceived barriers. According to IPAQ, (17.1%) were considered physically inactive. The level of physical activity showed a positive association with mean total and barrier EBBS score (p <0.01). Conclusion Women perceived the benefits of exercise positively, however, they identified certain barriers to the same. The presence of inactivity and obesity among a considerable proportion, requires further action with specific intervention. Top Keywords Exercise, benefits, barriers, physical activity, women. Top |