Sociodemographic determinants of pedometer-determined physical activity among Japanese adults

Although previous studies have reported physical activity and its sociodemographic determinants using self-report measures, there have been few studies using pedometers.

To ascertain pedometer-determined physical activity and its sociodemographic determinants among community residents living in four Japanese cities.

A cross-sectional mail survey was conducted from February 2007 to January 2008 with a sample of 4000 residents (aged 20-69 years and 50% male) who were randomly selected from the registry of residential addresses. Complete responses for both questionnaire and pedometer were obtained from 790 residents (48.3±13.7 years, 46.7% male). Associations of 11 sociodemographic variables with steps per day were examined using multiple logistic regression analyses. Data were analyzed in 2010.

Men averaged 8763±3497 steps/day and women averaged 8242±3277 steps/day. Further, 29.0% of men and 27.8% of women walked ≥10,000 steps/day. City of residence, good self-rated health, low educational attainment, and not owning a car were associated with taking ≥10,000 steps/day in men, whereas employed status and dog ownership were associated with walking ≥10,000 steps/day in women.

The results contribute to understanding of step-defined physical activity and its sociodemographic determinants. A diversity of step counts by sociodemographic variables clarifies specific populations among Japanese who are in need of intervention to promote physical activity.