Abstract:

The aim of this study was to determine the physical activity status and related factors of individuals aged 18-65 years living in rural and urban areas in Şile. For that aim, a questionnaire and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (International Physical Activity Questionnaire, IPAQ) was applied to all participants. In order to determine the physical activity level of each individual, a score of MET MET-minutes / week was obtained by multiplying the minutes, days and MET (multiples of rest oxygen consumption). Chi-Square test was used to compare categorical variables. In all statistical analyzes, p <0.05 and significance value were accepted as significance level. A total of 328 people participated in the study. 56.4% (n = 185) of the participants were female and 43.6% (n=143) were male. 51.2% (n = 168) of the participants live in rural areas and 48.8% (n = 160) live in urban areas. The mean age of the participants was 46.8 ± 12.9 years. There was no difference between the genders in terms of mean age (p = 0.206). On the other hand, while the mean age of the participants living in rural areas was 48.5 ± 12.4 years, the mean age was 45.1 ± 13.1 years in the urban population (p = 0.017). The majority of the participants were working (41.8%; n = 137), married (83.5%; n = 274), non-smokers (67.7%; n = 222) and had a primary education level (38.7%; n = 127). The mean MET value of the participants was 3200.7 ± 4400.5. This ratio was 2151.5 ± 2634 in female participants and 4558.0 ± 5684 in male participants (p<0.001). While the mean MET value was 2281.2 ± 2682 in urban areas, this rate was 4076.4 ± 5429 (p<0.001) in rural areas and physical activity values were significantly higher in rural areas. In conclusion, considering the high rate of inactive individuals, it may be useful to inform the public about the importance of physical activity, to raise awareness and to develop programs to ensure continuity in physical activity.

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