Original researchPhysical activity level and associated factors among civil servants in Xi'an, China

ObjectivesThis study investigated physical activity levels and associated factors among civil servants in Xi'an, China, to provide reference data for the implementation of health improvement strategies among civil servants.DesignA cross-section study.MethodsA random sample of 1000 civil servants aged 18-60 years and employed by the Xi'an civic government was assessed by using the Chinese version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Associations between physical activity and sociodemographic characteristics, family history of chronic disease, and existing disease were evaluated by the Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis H-test, and binary logistic regression.ResultsThe response rate was 92.4%. The median physical activity score was 2227 metabolic equivalents of task (MET) minutes per week (interquartile range [IQR]: 1308-3802 MET min/week). Among the 924 participants, 7.4% did not meet minimum recommendations for physical activity, 57.3% had moderate activity levels, and 35.4% had high activity levels. Participants spent most of their time on occupational activities (median: 869 MET min/week, IQR: 228-1953 MET min/week). Female sex (odds ratio [OR]:0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.29-0.55), age ≥ 51 years (OR: 0.45, 95%CI: 0.27-0.75), and family history of chronic disease (OR: 0.67, 95%CI: 0.48-0.94) were associated with significantly lower odds of a high activity level.ConclusionsMost civil servants in Xi'an, China, have moderate activity levels. Some have high activity levels, but few engage in vigorous-intensity physical activity. Interventions to encourage a high level of physical activity are needed, especially for women, older civil servants, and those with family histories of chronic disease.