Adopting leisure-time physical activity after diagnosis of a vascular condition

Background: A better understanding of factors associated with adopting leisure-time physical activity among people with chronic vascular conditions can help policy-makers and health care professionals develop strategies to promote secondary prevention among older Canadians. Data and methods: Cross-sectional data from the 1994/1995 National Population Health Survey (NPHS), household component, and the 2007/2008 Canadian Community Health Survey were used to estimate the prevalence of inactivity. Longitudinal data from eight cycles (1994/1995 through 2008/2009) of the NPHS, household component, were used to examine the adoption of leisure-time physical activity, intentions to change health risk behaviours, and barriers to change. Results: Over half (54%) of the population aged 40 or older were inactive during their leisure time in 2007/2008. A new vascular diagnosis was not associated with initiating leisure-time physical activity. Among the newly diagnosed, those with no disability or a mild disability had higher odds of undertaking leisure-time physical activity. Interpretation: The majority of Canadians in mid- to late life are inactive. They tend to remain so when diagnosed with a vascular condition.