Survey Relationship of Physical Activity Facility Factors and Body Mass Index in Kashan Elderly

There are many factors that affect the level of physical activity of the elderly. The current study aimed to assess the effect of accessibility of facilities on physical activity and body mass index of Kashan elderly. This cross-sectional analytic study sampled 400 of elderly older than 60 referred to 10 healthcare centers in Kashan, 2014, via multistage quota method. Participations were tested under demographic characters, body mass index level, and standard questionnaire of exercise benefit and barrier scale. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 16, descriptive statistic, Kolmogorov- Simirnov test, Spearman correlation test, Chi-Square and Ordinal regression is significant at the (P< 0.05). The 294(73.6%) participations were overweight or obese. Median and interquartile range (IQR) of physical activity facility factors was 75(33). The most prominent facility factor was physical ability to have physical activity, 333 (83.2%). Spearman correlation test showed a significantly inverse relationship (r=-0.233, P=0.001) between facility factors and body mass index of the elderly subjects. The ordinal regression result showed most predictive physical activity facility factors effective in regulating BMI of the elderly in Kashan may improve quality of life and working (OR=8.683, P=0.001). Results identified facility factors directly improve physical requirements to working and physical ability to meet such the requirements. To arouse enthusiasm and provide suitable equipment to achieve such the facilities and improve elderly health, local authorities in Kashan should consider the direct relationship between these facilities and BMI.