Evaluation of Physical Activity and Dietary Habits of Women in Anzali Port and its Relationship to Public Health and Obesity

Monireh Alsadat Basirat¹, Bahman Mirzaei² and Hasan Alikhani³

¹Guilan Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Guilan, Iran. ²Department of Sports Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran. ³Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Lahijan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study is to assess the level of physical activity and dietary habits among women in Bandar Anzali and examine their relationship to public health and the prevalence of obesity. In this study, 400 women (20 to 70 years old) were examined in Bandar Anzali. Demographic data was collected through questionnaires and interviews. To assess physical activity, the Beck physical activity questionnaire was used. To determine dietary habits, the nutrition questionnaire of Adami and Cordera was used. In addition, 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was used to assess general health. To determine the prevalence of obesity, body mass index (BMI) was calculated. To examine the relationships between variables, the Kruskal-Wallis test, chi-square, Mann Whitney and Spearman correlation coefficient were used in 95% confidence. Results showed that the 51-70 year-old group had the least amount of physical activity, the lowest rated general health, eating habits, and the highest mean BMI compared to other groups. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 42 and 22.5% and increased by aging and decreasing physical activity (Pd”0.05). Obese group had the lowest level of physical activity. There was no significant relationship between dietary habits in different categories of BMI. There was a positive significant relationship between obesity and marital status and housing (Pd”0.05); however, there was no significant relationship between obesity and education, income, smoking and history of heart diseases (individual and family). The results of this study showed that low educational level, unhealthy dietary habits and low physical activity led to weight gain, obesity and reduced overall health of women. Therefore, increased knowledge and awareness of nutrition and modified lifestyle and physical activity are essential as the best way to prevent obesity and obesityrelated diseases.

KEYWORDS: Physical activity; Dietary habits; Obesity; public health

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