Abstract

ANDRADE OSORIO, Érika; PADILLA RAYGOZA, Nicolás  and  RUIZ PALOALTO, Mª Laura. Perceived barriers and physical activity level in older adults from Aguascalientes, Ags.: a cross-sectional study. Enferm. glob. [online]. 2013, vol.12, n.31, pp.34-51. ISSN 1695-6141.

Introduction: Mexico is in demographic transition being more than 10% of its population older adults who have a high frequency of non-communicable diseases. The objective was to know the relationship between perceived barriers and physical activity level in older adults from Aguascalientes in Mexico. Material and methods: The present study is cross-sectional, analytic, and observational.150 older adults registered in the Family Integral Development System from Aguascalientes State were included at random, who accepted to participate by signing a consent form. A questionnaire to detect perceived barriers as well as an international physical activity questionnaire was applied. Statistical analysis: Z for two proportions, p-value and odds ratio, 95% confidence interval were calculated, between external and internal perceived barriers and low physical activity level in older adults from the sample. Results: In reference to the sample, 71.3% were between 60 and 70 years old; 72% were female, 78% had low physical activity level. The lack of information about physical activity benefits is a barrier in relation to low physical activity (Z=2.36, p=0.02, OR=2.97 95%CI=1.28 to 6.90); the lack of support from their family is another barrier in relation to their low physical activity (Z=2.91, p=0.003, OR=3.82, 95%CI=161 to 9.10); another barrier was the lack of places (such as health centers and gyms for older adults) to perform physical activity (Z=4.2, p<0.05, OR=5.8, 95%CI=2.5 to 13.3). Conclusion: The nursing designing programs to perform physical activity in older adults should take into account these perceived barriers.

Keywords : Elderly; older adults; physical activity; barriers.

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