Physical activity of Croatian population: cross-sectional study using International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

AIM: To determine the physical activity level of the Croatian population in different domains of everyday life.

METHODS: A random stratified sample of 1032 Croatians aged 15 years and older was interviewed using the official Croatian long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Total physical activity and physical activity in each of the 4 life domains--work, transport, domestic and garden, and leisure-time--were estimated. Physical activity was expressed as metabolic equivalent-hours per week (MET-hour/week).

RESULTS: Median total physical activity for the whole sample was 58.2 MET-hour/week. Median physical activity in MET-hour/week was 30.4 for work, 5.0 for transportation, 13.1 for domestic and garden, and 6.0 for leisure-time domain. The lowest physical activity was found in the 15-24 age group (42.7 MET-hour/week) and the highest in the 55-64 age group (72.0 MET-hour/week). Multiple regression analysis showed a significant relationship of socio-demographic and health-related characteristics (size of settlements, household income, educational level, age, body mass index, self-rated physical health, and self-rated mental health) with physical activity in all domains (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Studies on physical activity in transition countries should include the domains of work and domestic and garden, since if only leisure-time domain is examined, the total physical activity level could be underestimated. As the lowest physical activity was reported by adolescents and young adults, strategies for increasing physical activity in this age group should be developed.