Maria Sheena Villareal, Genalin Ang and Maritza Oliva Perez*

School of Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Guyana, Guyana

*Corresponding Author: Maritza Oliva Perez, Senior Lecturer, School of Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Guyana, Guyana.

Received: August 13, 2025; Published: September 04, 2025

Abstract

This pilot study explored the levels of physical activity (PA) and the factors influencing participation among elderly residents of elderly home facilities (EHFs) in Guyana. With physical inactivity recognized globally as a major risk factor for chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs), understanding the patterns of PA in institutionalized older adults is crucial, especially in low- and middle-income countries where data is scarce. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed involving 99 medically stable residents aged 55 and older across eight EHFs in Georgetown. Data was collected using structured interviews based on the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), supported by demographic and health history information, functional assessments, and anthropometric measurements.

The findings revealed that 69.7% of participants had low levels of physical activity, with only a minority achieving high activity levels. Gender was significantly associated with PA levels (p = 0.046), with females being more active than males. Body Mass Index (BMI) was also significantly associated (p = 0.038), as overweight individuals were more likely to be physically inactive. Most other demographic and health factors—including age, education, ethnicity, mobility, and presence of chronic conditions—showed no statistically significant associations. However, notable trends suggested that longer residence in EHFs and poor self-perception of health were linked to lower activity levels.

Participants identified motivation and self-awareness as primary drivers of activity, while health concerns, low energy, and lack of encouragement were common barriers. Despite regular health visits, professional support for physical activity was minimal. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted strategies to promote physical activity and reduce sedentarism in EHFs. This study provides valuable baseline data to inform future research and intervention programs aimed at improving the health and well-being of institutionalized older adults in Guyana.

 Keywords: Physical Activity; Elderly; Elderly Home Facilities; Guyana; Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases

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Citation

Citation: Maritza Oliva Perez., et al. “Factors Influencing Physical Activity Among Residents of Elderly Home Facilities in Guyana: A Pilot Study”.Acta Scientific Medical Sciences 9.10 (2025): 03-15.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2025 Maritza Oliva Perez., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.