Association between Physical Activity, Socioeconomic Status, Blood Biomarkers and Diet in Lebanese Adults

Abstract

The prevalence of physical activity (PA) varies by age, gender, socioeconomic status (SES), blood profile, and diet. These factors have been correlated with PA. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of these determinants on PA in a representative sample of the Lebanese adult population.

A secondary cross-sectional analysis was done on a data collected in 2008 on a national level. The original study interviewed adults of age greater or equal to 18. For the purpose of this study, only 323 adult participants were included. Demographic and socio-economic data were gathered. Dietary intake was obtained using food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Blood biomarkers were analyzed after having collected blood samples. The prevalence of PA in 2008 was evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was executed to study the association between PA and its different relevant determinants, excluding data from outliers.

Approximately, a third of the sample belongs to the low PA level category. Highly physically active participants included more females (57%) than males (43%), and younger adults (mean=37.1 years). The odds of being physically active significantly increased among participants with high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (OR = 2.027, 95% CI = 1.024 – 4.015) (OR = 2.604, 95% CI = 1.1119 – 6.061). On the other hand, the odds of being physically active significantly decreased among participants with moderate levels of triglycerides (OR = 0.436, 95% CI = 0.209 – 0.908), and among male participants (OR = 0.475, 95% CI = 0.235– 0.962).

The prevalence of PA among Lebanese adults is affected by many demographics and socio-economic factors. Furthermore, larger studies, especially longitudinal studies, are needed to set recommendations in order to increase PA among Lebanese adults, while taking into consideration factors that could affect their level of PA.