Examination of factors affecting the level of physical activity in parents of persons with disabilities

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the factors affecting the level of physical activity in parents who care for people with disabilities.

Materials and Methods: Eighty-five parents with a mean age of 42.32±9.48 years participated in the study. Information such as the income level of the parents and whether they received caregiver support for the care of the disabled individual were questioned. In addition, the diagnosis and mobility level of the disabled individual were recorded. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to determine physical activity level, and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index was used to evaluate well-being. Physical activity barriers were questioned with three items created by the authors. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors affecting physical inactivity.

Results: Inability to walk and lack of caregiver support were determined as physical inactivity risk factors (odds ratio 3.591; 11.969; p<0.05, respectively). 55.3% of the participants stated the need for continuous care of the disabled person, 54.1% stated the health problems of the disabled person as a physical activity barrier. It was observed that individuals with higher physical activity levels had better well-being (p=0.014).

Conclusions: It was determined that the mobility level of the disabled person and the support of the caregiver are the factors affecting the physical activity level of the parents, and the health status and care needs of the disabled person are perceived by the parents as a physical activity barrier.