A Survey on the State of Physical Activity Among Middle-Aged Women in Health Center in Zarin Shahr City in Iran, fall 2016

Background and aims: Studies have shown that regular physical activity (exercising) has a critical role in improving physical and mental health of people in all age groups and reduces the dangers caused by non-communicable disease such as high blood pressure, overweight, severe obesity, and increased lipoprotein serum. In this survey, the aim of the study was to study the state of physical activity among middle-aged women and its barriers, constraints and its related factors such as job and BMI because of the effective role, which women play in providing health and hygiene for their families and the society. Methods: The current study was a cross sectional research in which 220 middle-aged women (age range of 30-59) selected using convenience sampling, which visited the Health Clinic in Zarin Shahr. The data were gathered using two standard questionnaires designed by the Office of Middle Aged Health in the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. The gathered data were analyzed using SPSS and significant P- value was considered P<0.05. Results: The findings show that 57.2% of the elderly women had physical activity and 42.8 had no physical activity. There is a significant statistical relationship between job and physical activity. The level of physical activity among the employed women was less than those who are homemakers, P=0.015. There was no significant statistical relationship between BMI and physical activity P=0.769 and there was not much of a difference in terms of BMI between those who have and do not have physical activity (P>0.05). Conclusion: Not having enough time, taking care of a child who is under 2 years of age, lack of motivation, and not awareness about the positive effects of physical activity on physical and mental wellbeing are the main reasons for not having suitable physical activity. Therefore, it is suggested that appropriate programs for improving women’s health, improving knowledge, attitude, and change of behavior among these people should be performed