The association between physical activity and the prevalence of comorbidity: a cross-sectional survey

This study aimed to accessed the current status of the physical activity and the prevalence of comorbidity among the elderly (≥ 65 years old) in rural areas and to investigate the effect of physical activity intensity on hypertension-diabetes comorbidity in the elderly. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Jia County, Pingdingshan, Henan Province from July 1 to August 31, 2023. A questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic factors and chronic diseases, and the IPAQ (short form) to collect information about physical activity. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to identify factors influencing the prevalence of comorbidity in rural areas. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to explore the effects of high-intensity versus low-intensity physical activity on the prevalence of comorbidity among the elderly in rural areas. In total of 16,795 participants were recruited. The prevalence of comorbidity was lower in participants with high-intensity physical activity than in those with low-intensity physical activity (45.4% vs. 58.3%). After adjusting for the effects of potential confounders, we found that the prevalence of comorbidity was higher in females (OR 1.194, 95% CI [1.122-1.271]) than in males. Participants' education level, occupation, and income all influenced the occurrence of comorbidity. PSM analysis revealed a 13.2% difference in comorbidity prevalence between high-and low-intensity physical activity participant. The prevalence of comorbidity is lower in participants with high-intensity physical activity than in those with low-intensity physical activity in rural areas. Physical activity interventions may be strengthened to encourage the elderly to actively increase their physical activity levels. Furthermore, we advocate that more attention should be paid to the physical activity of the elderly, improving the construction of sports facilities in rural areas, and village clinics should strengthen guidance to encourage the elderly to participate in high-intensity physical activities.