Analysis of Physical Inactivity Based on Sociodemographic Criteria in Turkey

Physical activity, that is one of the significant indicators of healthy lifestyle, is included among priority public health problems in 2013-2017 Strategic Plan of Turkish Ministry of Health and 2014-2017 Strategic Plan of Institution of Public Health. In this study, physical inactivity was analyzed based on sociodemographic criteria, and the differences were addressed. The universe of this descriptive study was whole Turkey; and it was based on data from a total of 128.484 participants belonging to Health Studies of Turkish Statistical Institute which were held in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016. Dependent variable of physical activity was summarized based on various independent variables including sex, body mass index, education level and age groups. The results of the analyses were expressed by percentages and ratios; and bar graphics and line charts were used when necessary. It was found that males were more active than females; the levels of moderate and vigorous activity were decreased as age increased and the ratio of having walks were increased as education level increased. Based on marital status, it was seen that married and single ones had higher activity levels compared to widow individuals. Moreover, the individuals, who had highest level of physical activity, were the ones who stated to experience no depression. The ratios of having walks and low level activities were observed least among obese and underweight individuals. Public health policies made in our country are generally planned by considering the population as homogenous. However, it is required to make plans and to determine goals and strategies for high risk and priority groups, who experience these problems, by detecting priority public health problems.