Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Physical Exercise Among Elderly People in Enugu Metropolis, Nigerian

Background: The older population is often at risk for a sedentary lifestyle, which has been related to an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Unfortunately, information on this concept is limited in sub-Saharan Africa. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of physical exercise among older in the Enugu metropolis. Methods: A physical exercise questionnaire was used to collect data from 365 older people conveniently recruited within the Enugu metropolis in this cross-sectional study. Results: Most (72.9%) of the respondent have good knowledge of the benefits of physical exercise, their overall attitude is positive (98.1%), and about the average (53.7%) of them practice regular exercise that mainly involves brisk walking (60.2%) and morning jogging (59.2%) for duration mainly 30 minutes to 1 hour (53.6%). A significant relationship was only found between knowledge of exercise and engagement in regular physical exercise (p < .001). Conclusions: There is good knowledge and positive attitudes toward exercise among older people in the Enugu metropolis. More facilities for physical activity are recommended to boast practice

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Physical Exercise Among Elderly People in Enugu Metropolis, Nigerian

Background: The older population is often at risk for a sedentary lifestyle, which has been related to an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Unfortunately, information on this concept is limited in sub-Saharan Africa. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of physical exercise among older in the Enugu metropolis. Methods: A physical exercise questionnaire was used to collect data from 365 older people conveniently recruited within the Enugu metropolis in this cross-sectional study. Results: Most (72.9%) of the respondent have good knowledge of the benefits of physical exercise, their overall attitude is positive (98.1%), and about the average (53.7%) of them practice regular exercise that mainly involves brisk walking (60.2%) and morning jogging (59.2%) for duration mainly 30 minutes to 1 hour (53.6%). A significant relationship was only found between knowledge of exercise and engagement in regular physical exercise (p < .001). Conclusions: There is good knowledge and positive attitudes toward exercise among older people in the Enugu metropolis. More facilities for physical activity are recommended to boast practice