Correlates of Physical Activity Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults With Hazardous Drinking Habits in Six Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Abstract

We investigated physical activity (PA) correlates among middle-aged and older adults (aged ≥50 years) with hazardous drinking patterns in six low- and middle-income countries. Cross-sectional data were analyzed from the World Health Organization's Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health. Hazardous drinking was defined as consuming >7 (females) or >14 (males) standard drinks per week. Participants were dichotomized into low (i.e., not meeting 150 min of moderate PA/week) and moderate-high physically active groups. Associations between PA and a range of correlates were examined using multivariable logistic regressions. The prevalence of low PA in 1,835 hazardous drinkers (60.5 ± 13.1 years; 87.9% males) was 16.2% (95% confidence interval [13.9%, 18.9%]). Older age, living in an urban setting, being unemployed, depression, underweight, obesity, asthma, visual impairment, poor self-rated health, and higher levels of disability were identified as significant PA correlates. The current data provide important guidance for future interventions to assist older hazardous drinkers to engage in regular PA.

Associations of the Built Environment With Physical Activity and Sedentary Time in Ugandan Outpatients With Mental Health Problems

“…With the rapid urbanization and progressive urban densification particularly in LMICS and the observation that physical inactivity is particularly high in urban residents in LMICs [38][39][40] , present findings suggest that built environment strategies may be effective physical and mental health promotion strategies in LMICs. Future studies should examine whether providing improved access to outdoor recreation spaces, informal places to walk, and well-maintained sidewalks could result in more physical activity uptake, less sedentary behavior and consequently mental and physical health improvements.…”

Physical activity and loneliness among adults aged 50 years or older in six low‐ and middle‐income countries

“…Future research should explore why unemployment, for example, due to retirement, is an influential factor in the association between physical activity and loneliness in these two countries. At least, it is known that middle‐aged and old‐age people in LMICs who are employed are more physically active . Speculatively, employment may offer opportunities for social connection, enhance social functioning, and, consequently, provide more opportunity to be active, to feel as a meaningful contributor to society, and to feel less lonely …”

“…At least, it is known that middle-aged and old-age people in LMICs who are employed are more physically active. 48,49 Speculatively, employment may offer opportunities for social connection, enhance social functioning, and, consequently, provide more opportunity to be active, to feel as a meaningful contributor to society, and to feel less lonely. [50][51][52] Social cohesion was a particularly strong confounder in Russia.…”

Associations between physical inactivity, major depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder in people living with HIV in a Ugandan fishing community

“…Not having a job was an independent predictor. In previous research in people with mental health disorders in LMICs, [37][38][39] it has been demonstrated that those who are employed are more likely to be physically active. Speculatively, employment is not only physically demanding but may also offer opportunities to connect socially, enhance social functioning, and consequently have more opportunity to be more active, to feel an active contributor to the society, and to feel less lonely.…”