Peculiarities of Physical Activity of Russian Workers: Empirical Analyses

Low level of physical activity among working people is a common problem in many countries including Russia. Despite the increase in recent years in the share of people who are physically active, the level of physical inactivity of Russian workers is still significant, which reduces the effectiveness of resources aimed at improving the health of the Russian population.

Studying the changes in the level of physical activity of the working Russian citizens and reviewing its most common types, the authors determine the factors encouraging physical activities and sports. The article identifies the distinguishing features of physical activity among Russian workers, the analysis of the determinants of physical activity, and factors putting obstacles in the way of sport participation.

A comprehensive analysis of correlates of physical activity was conducted based on public opinion surveys commissioned by the HSE and carried out by Levada Analytical Center in 2011 and 2017 years. The sample includes employed respondents, both males and females (females aged 25 to 55years and males aged 25 to 60years).

The analysis revealed the relation between working women and men’s physical activity and their individual and household characteristics, such as: gender, age, body mass index, health self-perception, nutrition, unhealthy lifestyle habits (smoking and alcohol), level of education, per capita income, as well as external attributes (presence of sporting facilities in the immediate vicinity of their home or workplace). At the same time, the analysis did not reveal one-to-one dependence between the probability of being physically active and a number of working hours per week, family status, number of children, place of residence and the availability of sport infrastructure.

In conclusion, the study of factors that can have both a stimulating and a restraining effect on the physical activity of the working population will help optimize the financing of national health and sports systems.

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