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Background <p>Physical activity is crucial for maintaining health and preventing chronic diseases, particularly among older persons. However, various sociodemographic and health-related factors may influence physical activity levels in this population. This study aims to identify the factors associated with physical inactivity among older persons aged 60 years and above in Malaysia.</p> Methods <p>A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, a nationwide population-based survey. Older persons aged 60 years and above were included. Variables assessed included sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, functional limitations, and health conditions. Physical activity status was categorized as active or inactive. Complex sample logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with physical inactivity, with results reported as adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).</p> Results <p>A total of 2,979 older persons were included in the analysis. Several significant factors associated with physical inactivity were identified. The prevalence of physical inactivity among older persons aged 60 years and above was 43.2% (95% CI: 40.1–46.4). Physical inactivity was more prevalent among females, urban residents, those with no formal education, low household income (B40), individuals with chronic conditions (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia), and those reporting disabilities or functional difficulties. Complex sample logistic regression analysis that diabetes mellitus (AOR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.14–1.70), overall disability (AOR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.46–2.62), walking difficulty (AOR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.09–2.90), difficulty in self-care (AOR: 7.05; 95% CI: 2.96–16.82), and sedentary behavior more than 4&#xa0;h per day (AOR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.27–2.11) were significantly associated with increased odds of physical inactivity. Sociodemographic factors such as sex, education level, and residential area were not significantly associated with physical inactivity.</p> Conclusion <p>This study highlights a substantial prevalence of physical inactivity among older persons in Malaysia. Key factors significantly associated with physical inactivity include the presence of chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus, functional limitations, self-care difficulties, overall disability, and sedentary behavior of more than 4&#xa0;h. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and policies that address health conditions and functional impairments to promote active ageing. Strengthening support systems and rehabilitation programs may help improve physical activity levels and overall well-being among older persons in Malaysia.</p>

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Prevalence and factors associated with physical inactivity among older persons in Malaysia: Findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月10日

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  • Norizzati Amsah,
  • Nurfatehar Ramly,
  • Lim Kuang Kuay,
  • Noor Ul-Aziha Muhammad,
  • Muhammad Fadhli Mohd Yusoff,
  • Hamizatul Akmal Abd Hamid,
  • Halizah Mat Rifin,
  • Nor’ain Abd Wahab,
  • Nurul Huda Ibrahim

摘要

Background

Physical activity is crucial for maintaining health and preventing chronic diseases, particularly among older persons. However, various sociodemographic and health-related factors may influence physical activity levels in this population. This study aims to identify the factors associated with physical inactivity among older persons aged 60 years and above in Malaysia.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, a nationwide population-based survey. Older persons aged 60 years and above were included. Variables assessed included sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, functional limitations, and health conditions. Physical activity status was categorized as active or inactive. Complex sample logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with physical inactivity, with results reported as adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

A total of 2,979 older persons were included in the analysis. Several significant factors associated with physical inactivity were identified. The prevalence of physical inactivity among older persons aged 60 years and above was 43.2% (95% CI: 40.1–46.4). Physical inactivity was more prevalent among females, urban residents, those with no formal education, low household income (B40), individuals with chronic conditions (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia), and those reporting disabilities or functional difficulties. Complex sample logistic regression analysis that diabetes mellitus (AOR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.14–1.70), overall disability (AOR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.46–2.62), walking difficulty (AOR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.09–2.90), difficulty in self-care (AOR: 7.05; 95% CI: 2.96–16.82), and sedentary behavior more than 4 h per day (AOR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.27–2.11) were significantly associated with increased odds of physical inactivity. Sociodemographic factors such as sex, education level, and residential area were not significantly associated with physical inactivity.

Conclusion

This study highlights a substantial prevalence of physical inactivity among older persons in Malaysia. Key factors significantly associated with physical inactivity include the presence of chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus, functional limitations, self-care difficulties, overall disability, and sedentary behavior of more than 4 h. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and policies that address health conditions and functional impairments to promote active ageing. Strengthening support systems and rehabilitation programs may help improve physical activity levels and overall well-being among older persons in Malaysia.