Socioeconomic inequality in physical activity among adults in western Iran: a cross-sectional study

We aimed to determine the prevalence of physical activity and socio-economic inequality among the adults of Hamadan city.

This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in Hamadan city between 2022 and 2023, involving a total of 591 adults aged 18 to 64 years. The research tool utilized in this study was the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the results of the concentration index analysis reported at 95% confidence level. To determine socioeconomic inequalities in physical activity, the concentration index was employed.

The overall prevalence of low and moderate physical activity was 40.58%. No distinct inequality was noted in other physical activities, including transportation, Household and taking care of the family According to the subgroup analysis. The most striking disparity was observed in terms of physical activity arising from leisure time activities, with wealthier sectors of society exhibiting higher levels (Concentration index: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.13), the highest inequality of physical activity arising from leisure time activities was observed among the age group of 60–75 years (Concentration index: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.21), women (Concentration index: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.53), illiterate individuals (Concentration index: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.32, 1.04) and single individuals (Concentration index: 0.10, 95% CI: -0.03, 0.22), however this relation was not statistically significant for marriage staus and education.

The most striking disparity was observed in terms of physical activity arising from leisure time activities. The highest inequality was observed among the age group of 60–75 years, and women.