Physical activity in the community : correlates of change and overall mortality in two population-based cohorts
Year: 2014
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Physical inactivity is a major public health problem, and evidence suggests that it is a contributing factor in numerous chronic diseases and conditions. Along with smoking and poor dietary habits, physical inactivity is one of the main risk factor for chronic diseases that can be modified through behavior change Performing physical activity on a regular basis has been linked with positive effects on health and well-being, and physical activity improvement has been appointed as the leading health indicator for the next decades. The availability of health data is important for national discussions on health policies. Such data can highlight real variations in health status and the factors affecting health across communities. Moreover, it could be useful to guide policy-related discussions on best practices to improve the health of population. The objectives of this thesis are to describe changes on leisure time and occupational physical activity status at the community level and to evaluate sociodemographic, health related, and life style determinants of such changes, and also evaluate the association of different physical activity domains for women and men, with overall mortality. The thesis is composed by two original articles based on two population-based cohorts studies: the Cornellà Health Interview Survey Follow-Up Study and the Barcelona Health Interview Study. The studies included in this thesis suggest that there were changes in the population on the physical activity status whereas no clear determinants of such changes were recognized. Moreover the effects of all domains of physical activity were associated with a substantial decreased mortality. Therefore, promoting moderate levels of leisure time physical activity, occupational physical activity and walking seems to be essential in comprehensive health promotion programs at community levels.
Author: Cecilia Cornelio
Language: English
Topic: Physical Activity and Health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Award: G5789757020
OpenAlex ID: W2245057121