The Relationship between Physical Activity Level and Sociodemographic Factors in Romanian Adults in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Period

Elena Ioana Iconaru, Emilian Tarcau (), Manuela Mihaela Ciucurel, Liviu Draghici and Constantin Ciucurel
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Elena Ioana Iconaru: Department of Medical Assistance and Physical Therapy, University Center of Pitesti, National University for Science and Technology Politehnica Bucuresti, 110040 Pitești, Romania
Emilian Tarcau: Department of Physical Education, Sport and Physical Therapy, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Manuela Mihaela Ciucurel: Department of Psychology, Communication Sciences and Social Assistance, University Center of Pitesti, National University for Science and Technology Politehnica Bucuresti, 110040 Pitești, Romania
Liviu Draghici: Department of General Surgery, Sf. Ioan Emergency Clinical Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 București, Romania
Constantin Ciucurel: Department of Medical Assistance and Physical Therapy, University Center of Pitesti, National University for Science and Technology Politehnica Bucuresti, 110040 Pitești, Romania

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 18, 1-17

Abstract: Background: This study examines how socio-demographic factors relate to post-pandemic physical activity patterns among Romanian adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study explores post-COVID-19 physical activity levels (PAL) and their correlation with socio-demographic factors in Romanian adults ( n = 237, average age 28.23 ± 9.91 years). An online questionnaire covering constitutional, socio-demographic, and physical activity-related variables was administered for data collection. Data analysis involves descriptive and inferential statistics, including Kendall’s tau correlation, along with multinomial regression analyses. Results: Noteworthy correlations emerged, including a robust association ( r = 0.79, p < 0.001) between testing and history of clinical signs of COVID-19; a significant moderate correlation between health status and PAL compared to the period before the pandemic (τ = 0.56, p < 0.001); and significant moderate correlation between health status and current PAL (τ = −0.51, p < 0.001). Multinomial regression underscores an intricate relationship; testing for COVID-19 relates to clinical sign severity, health status changes influence post-pandemic PAL, and self-perceived health associates with current PAL ( p < 0.001). Conclusions: Revealing significant links between PAL and socio-demographic factors among adults in Romania’s post-pandemic landscape, this study emphasizes the interaction between health changes and activity involvement. It also highlights the potential to guide interventions for rehabilitation and healthier living.

Keywords: activity patterns; lifestyle; post-pandemic; sociodemographic characteristics; Romanian population (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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