Abstract
Introduction: Despite the public health burden of inactivity, evidence on the determinants of physical activity in Central Asia remains scarce. Thus, this study examined socio-demographic, health-related, behavioral, social, and environmental correlates of physical activities among adults in Uzbekistan.
Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 400 adults from different regions of Uzbekistan in 2023. After excluding incomplete responses, 360 participants underwent evaluation. Physical activity was measured using the Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale and then recoded as inactive versus active. Ultimately, multivariable logistic regression with robust standard errors was used for data analysis.
Results: Overall, 45.6% of respondents were physically active. In addition, 58.1% were female, and mean (±SD) age was 32.8 (12.8) years. Lower odds of physical activity were observed among women (odds ratio [OR]=0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31–0.89, P=.016), respondents with poorer self-rated health (OR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.46–0.85, P=.003), and overweight respondents (OR=0.40, 95% CI: 0.24–0.67, P<.001). The odds of physical activity were also lower in those with higher sedentary behavior (OR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.75–0.99, P=.040) and those reporting transport-related constraints (OR=0.37, 95% CI: 0.22–0.64, P<.001). Having physically active friends was associated with higher activity (OR=2.24, 95% CI: 1.62–3.10, P<.001), and model discrimination was acceptable (area under the curve=0.804).
Conclusion: Physical activity among adults in Uzbekistan is shaped by interacting individual, social, and environmental factors. Accordingly, public health strategies should prioritize social support, sedentary behavior reduction, improved access to activity opportunities, and removal of gender-related and transport-related barriers.