Prevalence, patterns, and determinants of physical activity and sedentary behavior in women in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Abstract

Background Understanding the prevalence and determinants of physical activity among women is crucial for developing effective interventions to promote physical activity and improve health outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of physical activity, leisure-time exercise, and sedentary behavior among women in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted on 540 women in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. We used the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire to assess the prevalence of work- and transportation-related physical activity, leisure-time physical exercise, and sedentary behavior. Results The prevalence of sufficient physical activity related to work and transportation was 31.5%. Physical activity was significantly associated with employment status, residence area, and chronic diseases. The prevalence of engagement in regular leisure-time physical exercise was 14.8%. Approximately 33% of the participants had a high level of sedentary behavior, which was significantly associated with the participants' age, marital status, education level, employment status, and economic status. The area of residence and chronic disease status were independently associated with physical activity. Age was significantly associated with leisure-time physical exercise. Marital and employment status were significantly associated with high levels of sedentary behavior. Conclusion The prevalence of sufficient physical activity was relatively low in the female population. The very high level of sedentary behavior, especially among students, is alarming. The prevalence of physical exercise was very low. There is a clear need to adopt proper strategies to promote physical activity, especially regular leisure-time physical exercise, and reduce sedentary behavior.