Abstract
Background: Physical activity is important for maintaining physical function and independence among older adults with chronic diseases. However, evidence on physical activity among older adult inpatients with chronic diseases remains limited. This study aimed to assess physical activity levels and identify factors associated with sufficient physical activity.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 inpatients aged ≥ 60 years with at least one chronic disease at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, from April 2025 to April 2026. Data were collected through interviews and medical record review. Physical activity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Adequate physical activity was defined as ≥ 600 MET-min/week. Factors associated with sufficient physical activity were examined using binary logistic regression.
Results: Overall, 61.5% of participants had sufficient physical activity, while 38.5% had insufficient physical activity. In multivariable analysis, participants aged 70 - 79 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.08 - 0.43) and ≥ 80 years (aOR = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.01 - 0.10) had lower odds of sufficient physical activity than those aged 60 - 69 years. Participants with a BMI of 18.5 - 24.9 kg/m² (aOR = 2.90, 95% CI: 1.01 - 8.35) and ≥ 25 kg/m² (aOR = 4.26, 95% CI: 1.11 - 16.36) had higher odds than those with BMI < 18.5 kg/m².
Conclusions: A substantial proportion of the older adult inpatients with chronic diseases had insufficient physical activity. Age and BMI were independently associated with sufficient physical activity. Physical activity assessment and individualized interventions should be considered in the care of this population.
| Published | 2026-11-15 | |
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| Issue | Vol. 16 No. S-3 (2026) | |
| Section | Original Articles | |
| DOI | 10.34071/jmp.2026.S-3.25 | |
| Keywords | physical activity, older adults, chronic diseases |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hue Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy
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