Abstract:
This descriptive correlational study was conducted to examine physical activity
and its related factors among the older adults who lived in Bangkok. Three hundred
and fifteen older adults were voluntary recruits from two communities, located in
Bangkok metropolitan. Each subject was interviewed by the researcher using
questionnaires during October 2005 to March 2006. Data analysis was performed with
descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient, and stepwise
multiple regression analysis.
Most of subjects were female (70.8%) with an average age of 76 ± 5.1 years.
About half of them were widows (51.4%) and completed primary school (55.2%).
Most of them reported having no job (67%), and living in their own house (67.9%).
About two-thirds of them were not members of senior citizens clubs (64.8%) and had
at least one chronic disease (67.9%). Most of older adults could independently perform
activities of daily living, such as shopping (70.5%). Regarding leisure activity, most of
the elderly watched television and listened to the radio (90.8%). Additionally most of
the older adults engaged in light exercise, such as stretching (65.2%) and walking
(40.6%).
The finding revealed that, perceived self-efficacy (r = 0.55), being a members
of a senior citizen club (r = 0.34), perceived health status (r = 0.27), perceived
interpersonal influences (r = 0.26), perceived benefit (r = 0.18), educational level (r =
0.22) and adequacy of income (r = 0.18) had a positive relationship with physical
activity (p<0.05). Whereas, perceived barriers (r = -0.36) and age (r = -0.31) had a
negative relationship with physical activity (p<0.05). Using stepwise multiple
regression, perceived self-efficacy, being a members of a senior citizen club, perceived
interpersonal influence, perceived barriers to action, age, perceived health status, and
adequacy of income jointly explained about 40% of the variance explained for
predicting physical activity in older adults.
The results of this study can be used as a guideline for health promotion
strategies to promote physical activity in older adults by enhancing self-efficacy, peer
influence, and increasing family and community support. Additionally, this finding
supports the significance of physical activity in older adults to maintain their health
and quality of life