Epidemiology of physical inactivity in Poland: prevalence and determinants in a former communist country in socioeconomic transition.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify physical activity patterns and determinants of physical inactivity in a representative sample of Polish adults.

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional analysis of 14 769 randomly selected individuals (52.7% women and 47.3% men) aged 20-74 years participating in the National Polish Health Survey, WOBASZ (2002-2005).

METHODS: Sociodemographic and lifestyle details were collected. Assessment of physical activity was based on selected questions from the CINDI Health Monitor Questionnaire.

RESULTS: Approximately 35% of Polish adults are not physically active in leisure time, whilst 39.5% declare sufficient level of leisure-time physical activity. Leisure-time inactivity is significantly less likely in persons aged <35 years, those with university education and those living in rural areas. Almost 48% of men and 28.4% of women employed full- or part-time report highly active work, whilst sedentary work is reported by 42.7% of women and 30.2% of men. Low occupational activity is more prevalent in young adults, persons with university education and those living in large urban areas. Nearly 67% of the entire working population report no active commuting.

CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to promote various forms of physical activity, with special attention on active commuting and leisure-time activities across both genders and all age groups. Public health policies and programmes should focus on substantial differences between various sociodemographic groups.