The Physical Activity Status of Individuals in a Unique City and Related Factors: A National Survey of Cardiovascular Diseases in Chongqing, China

Background: Low physical activity is associated with health hazards. Chongqing is a city with unique geographical characteristics in China and the prevalence rate of cardiovascular diseases in Chongqing is higher than that across the whole country. We aimed to explore the physical activity of residents who live in this unique geographical location. Methods: Data were collected through the “12th Five-Year Plan” of the National Science and Technology Support Program. The stratified multi-stage random sampling method was adopted. Personal questionnaires collected data on basic demographics (age, sex, ethnicity, occupation, education, marital status, etc.) and lifestyle habits (diet, physical activity, etc.). In the physical examination, height, body mass index, waist circumference, and body fat percentage were measured. Physical activity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Total physical activity was calculated using metabolic equivalents. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between low physical activity and potential risk factors. Results: Overall, 15,021 individuals were included. Physical activity at work contributed largely to physical activity. The prevalence of physical inactivity was 23.0%. Urban residents were more active than rural residents. Men were more inactive than women. The highest prevalence of low physical activity was found in individuals ≥ 75 years old. The Tujia Chinese population was more active than the Han Chinese population. Unmarried individuals and divorced individuals were 1.23 times and 1.56 times more inactive than married/remarried/cohabitating individuals, respectively. Conclusions: The rate of physical activity in Chongqing is lower than the global rate. This study is the first to survey the physical activity status in Chongqing using the GPAQ. Future interventions for increasing physical activity should focus on inactive individuals.