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

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    The authors contributed equally to the work.)

  • Emilian Tarcau

    (Department of Physical Education, Sport and Physical Therapy, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
    The authors contributed equally to the work.)

  • 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
    The authors contributed equally to the work.)

  • Liviu Draghici

    (Department of General Surgery, Sf. Ioan Emergency Clinical Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 București, Romania
    The authors contributed equally to the work.)

  • Constantin Ciucurel

    (Department of Medical Assistance and Physical Therapy, University Center of Pitesti, National University for Science and Technology Politehnica Bucuresti, 110040 Pitești, Romania
    The authors contributed equally to the work.)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Elena Ioana Iconaru & Emilian Tarcau & Manuela Mihaela Ciucurel & Liviu Draghici & Constantin Ciucurel, 2023. "The Relationship between Physical Activity Level and Sociodemographic Factors in Romanian Adults in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Period," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:18:p:13488-:d:1236009
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jia Yang & Xiang Li & Taiyu He & Fangyuan Ju & Ye Qiu & Zuguo Tian, 2022. "Impact of Physical Activity on COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-12, October.
    2. Constantin Ciucurel & Elena Ioana Iconaru, 2023. "The Relationship between the Frontal QRS-T Angle on ECG and Physical Activity Level in Young Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-14, January.
    3. Kathrin Wunsch & Korbinian Kienberger & Claudia Niessner, 2022. "Changes in Physical Activity Patterns Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-48, February.
    4. Reuben Kindred & Glen W. Bates, 2023. "The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Social Anxiety: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-28, January.
    5. Constantin Ciucurel & Elena Ioana Iconaru, 2020. "An Epidemiological Study on the Prevalence of the Clinical Features of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Romanian People," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-19, July.
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