Exploring the Determinants and Correlates of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity of Adults in Eastern Poland

Abstract

In Poland-especially in the less developed eastern regions-the level of health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) remains below the WHO recommendations, and its determinants are not yet fully understood. The study was conducted as part of the international EUPASMOS PLUS project on a sample of 173 adult individuals living in eastern Poland. Physical activity was measured using accelerometers worn continuously for seven days (24/7). The duration of moderate and vigorous physical activity as well as episodes of physical activity lasting at least 10 min were analyzed. The median daily MVPA time was 50 min, and the median VPA time only 10 s, both below WHO recommendations of 150 min/week of MVPA or 75 min/week of VPA. Overall, more than 70% of participants did not meet the recommended levels. The level of HEPA was found to be below WHO recommendations, especially among men, individuals over 50 years old, and those who were professionally inactive. Higher physical activity levels were recorded among women and younger participants. Significant correlations were found between HEPA level and self-rated health status (ρ = 0.28-0.38, p < 0.001), as well as body mass index and waist circumference (ρ ≈ -0.20 to -0.30, p < 0.01). Although statistically significant, the effect sizes were small to moderate, indicating limited explanatory power. Unemployment negatively affected MVPA and VPA levels, while household size positively correlated with physical activity. Interventions promoting HEPA should consider demographic and regional diversity, with particular focus on less active groups such as older adults and the unemployed. It is also necessary to develop new screening tools aimed at easy and quick diagnosis of social groups that should be targeted by HEPA promotion strategies.

Keywords: accelerometry; adults; eastern Poland; health status; health-enhancing physical activity; socio-demographic factors.

Figure 1

Triaxial accelerometer, model RM42, used in the study.

Figure 2

Harmonization process and quality control.

Figure 3

Accelerometer wear positions used for data collection: (a) hip placement during daytime—device attached at the waist/belt; (b) wrist placement during nighttime—device secured with a soft fabric wristband (yellow arrow) for comfortable sleep monitoring.

Figure 4

The correlation between subjective health status and cumulative time of MVPA (a), VPA (b), and PA10+ (c).

Figure 5

Correlations between household size and cumulative time of MVPA (a), VPA (b), and PA10+ (c).

Figure 6

Cumulative time of MVPA (a), VPA (b), and PA10+ (c) in groups distinguished by marital status.

Figure 7

Cumulative time of MVPA (a), VPA (b), and PA10+ (c) in groups defined by employment status.