Measuring the physical activity in the EU using a fuzzy hybrid synthetic index and an ordered probit model

Introduction Physical activity can be measured by different attributes, such as sports activities, moderate exercise, or even walking time. The most recent Eurobarometer on Sport and Physical Activity included nine questions that permit physical activity measurement at the EU. Methods The study uses a Fuzzy Hybrid Analysis approach to calculate a synthetic index that measures the physical activity of EU citizens. The method is applied to the dataset obtained from a survey administered to a total of 26,578 respondents who represent the EU. Nine items measure the physical activity latent variable with an answer format based on three different semantic ordinal point scales. Results The method provides a synthetic indicator at aggregated and individual levels. Seventeen covariates were used to analyze the main determinants of physical activity, particularly gender, age, education, social class, and political orientation. Discussion The results reveal that certain covariates influence the latent variable under study, providing interesting insights to inform the development of targeted programs that reduce physical inactivity in the EU.