Biological, psychological, social and environmental correlates of health enhancing physical activity in adults in Ostrava region using the formal concept analysis

BACKGROUND: Optimal physical activity (PA) is next to balanced healthy diet and medical care one of the key determinants of prevention of overweight and obesity. Although the Czech Republic is still considered "walkable" society, the increase of obesity initiated the search for bio-psycho-social determinants and correlates of health enhancing PA not only on the national but also on the regional level. Environmental and economical conditions in individual regions in the Czech Republic can stimulate or inhibit regular PA in their inhabitants. AIM: The aim of the study was to identify bio, psycho, social and environmental correlates of health enhancing physical activity in adults in Ostrava region using the analysis of data from the ANEWS questionnaire applied in 2005-2009. METHODS: In order to estimate the level of weekly PA, data of a random sample of 820 inhabitants of Ostrava region were used (448 women and 372 men) aged 40.65 ± 8.75. The ANEWS questionnaire was applied in 2005-2009. Health enhancing PA means minimum of 30 minutes of moderate PA 5 times a week, or 20 minutes of intense PA 3 times a week. The statistical evaluation was supported by Formal concept analysis. RESULTS: Men and women with a paid job and active transport, or low sitting (≤ 4 hours daily) or highly intensive PA (≥ 6 METs) are more likely (≥ 10 %) to carry out health enhancing PA than women and men without a paid job or passive transport, or with high sitting (> 4 hours a day) or without intensive PA. Age, weight, smoking, participation in organized forms of PA, season, and the size of location are not significant correlates of health enhancing PA in the inhabitants of Ostrava region. CONCLUSION: The support of employment, active transport and maintenance of "walking" and "cycling" environment in Ostrava region supports also health enhancing PA.