رابطه فعالیتهای بدنی بزرگسالان در اوقات فراغت با بهره گیری از خدمات بهداشتی درمانی در اهواز

Physical activity is one of the major factors in preventing of many &nbsp;&nbsp; diseases. Determination of its pattern among population groups and its role &nbsp;&nbsp; in reducing the number of diseases and use of medical services is important. &nbsp;&nbsp; The aim of this study was to explain the pattern of leisure time physical &nbsp;&nbsp; activity among adults living in Ahwaz and to recognize its association with &nbsp;&nbsp; use of medical services. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This study was under taken on 1600 habitants aged 18-84 years. Data &nbsp;&nbsp; was collected using a questionnaire completed by interviewers. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Less than half of the subjects reported at least 20 minutes physical &nbsp;&nbsp; activity in a week. This figure was statistically significant by increasing of age &nbsp;&nbsp; (P=0.002), and decreasing of educational level (P<0.001). However, there &nbsp;&nbsp; was no significant difference by economical status. The pattern of physical &nbsp;&nbsp; activity was also vary among different groups. There was a significant &nbsp;&nbsp; association between physical activity and use of medical services, hospital &nbsp;&nbsp; admission, and high blood pressure (P<0.05). &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Public education and persuading people for physical activity at leisure &nbsp;&nbsp; particularly for women, older generations, and low educated groups is &nbsp;&nbsp; recommended. Providing available sport facilities may help to increase the &nbsp;&nbsp; rate of physical activities among such societies.