Physical activity and its related factors among female employees: applying BASNEF model

Introduction: One of the most important problems of modern society has reduced physical activity among people. The aim of this study was determine factors associated with regular physical activity among female employees based on BASNEF model. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study carried out on 268 employed women in Hamadan University of Medical Sciences based on census sampling method. The data were gathered by questionnaire in three parts, including demographic information, constructs of BASNEF model and international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 by using appropriate statistical tests (Chi-square, T-test and Logistic regression analysis). Results: Based on the results, 189 working women (70.5 %) have a low physical activity, 60 (22.4 %) moderate physical activity and 19 (7.1 %) had severe physical activity. The married women reported higher levels of physical activity as comparing single women(X2 = 15.3, p-value =0.024). From constructs of BASNEF model, the best predictors of performing physical activity behavior were attitude (OR= 1.215 & p-value = 0.000) and enabling factors (OR= 1.119 & p-value = 0.000). Conclusion: Enabling factors was the most effective factor among female employees for performing regular physical activity. It seems that the preparation of sports facilities can promote physical activity among employed women.