[Leisure-time physical activity in the Norwegian county Nordland]

A more sedentary way of life and less physical activity has increased the risk of many common health problems. This implicates a need for knowledge about activity patterns and determinants for physical activity in Norway.

2914/6836 (43 %), 1499 women and 1415 men (18 - 69 years), responded to a questionnaire survey performed in the county of Nordland in 2002. The total physical activity was estimated from the question "How active are you?" for 22 different leisure time activities. Activity was expressed in number of Metabolic Equivalent hours per week (METh/week) and as the sum of METh/week. Leisure-time activity was related to age, sex, health and level of education of the respondents.

Backcountry hiking and outdoor life comprise a large part of the physical activities undertaken by adults in Nordland. Women are slightly less physically active than men. The median METh/week was 21.7 for women and 24.7 for men. Physical activity decreases slightly with age for both women and men. The correlation between self-rated health and physical activity is positive, and dependence of the level of education shows an overall positive trend. The results from this survey emphasize the need for standardized Norwegian questionnaires about physical activity and an agreed method of measuring physical activity.