Physical activity of the Russian population depending on regional housing conditions. (ESSE-RF study)

Russian studies indicate significant physical activity (PA) differences in the regions, but regional predictors have not been analyzed. Objective. To analyze individual PA depending on the regional housing conditions of the Russian population. Material and methods. For the analysis, the data of the cross-sectional stage of the epidemiological study, «Epidemiology of cardiovascular diseases in the regions of the Russian Federation» (ESSE-RF), conducted in 2013—2014, were used. The final analytical sample included 8.380 subjects 25—64 years old from 8 regions, including 3.372 males and 5.008 females. Respondents were interviewed on three questions characterizing professional, recreational, and household/sports PA to assess the PA level. Five regional indices previously selected using the principal components analysis were used to describe the regional housing conditions. Results. The deterioration of social housing conditions, the increase of demographic depression in the region, as well as the growth of industrial and economic development, incomes, and economic inequality of the population are associated with an increase in both the general level of the PA and its types (recreational, household/sports). Socio-geographical and industrial indices impact PA, regardless of its type. Demographic and economic indices have a less pronounced impact. Conclusion. The study indicates a significant impact of regional housing conditions on individual physical activity. There are different mechanisms for environmental factors to impact physical activity. The level of industrial development of regions influences the formation of certain cultural stereotypes of physical activity. The social and demographic environment determines the national characteristics of daily living activities. Economic factors determine the level of development of local infrastructure necessary for physical activity.