Perceived barriers to physical activity among Iranian women

Lack of physical activity (PA) is related to more than 2million annual deaths worldwide. PA level among women is unsatisfactory worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the barriers and status of PA among Iranian women in Mashhad, Iran. 408 volunteer women aged 18 to 59 years were studied. Demographic and anthropometric data (height, weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference and waist hip ratio) were obtained. A 24-item questionnaire on barriers to PA and the short form IPAQ were filled. 33.3% of subjects were overweight or obese and 13.48% had central obesity. Preferring being with family to doing PA, lack of company and time were chosen as the most important barriers. PA level was related only to physical environmental barriers (p<0.01). Marital status was related to most barriers (p<0.01). Physical environmental barriers were mostly related to PA performance in Iranian women.