The role of domestic environment on physical activities of women adults: comparison of single and multi storey houses

Abstract

This study explores the role of domestic environment on home-based physical activities (PAs) of women adults who live in single and multi storey houses. The aim of the study is to determine the design characteristics of specific spaces (kitchen, bathroom, corridor, staircase,garden/terrace and multi spaces) and theirelements that affect negatively or not on the domestic PAs of women adults live in each space of both house types and to determine the relationship between home-based PAs and PA level of the participants. This study was conducted with 120 young and middle-aged (19-64 years)Turkish women adults. Equal number of participants was selected from both house types. Two sets of survey were done for both house types and the PA level was determined using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-S).Using the qualitative content analysis method,women were found generally pleased with the design characteristics of spacesbut‘frontal length of main working area’ was found to be the most negatively affecting design characteristic for PA in kitchenin both house types. A significant difference was found in the amount of time spent in doing housework and bathing activity in both house types. The correlation analysis indicated that there is a low association in single storey houses and positive moderate association in multi storey houses between frequency of cooking and housework activities. According to multiple regression analysis, daily duration of cooking activity is mostly related PA level of women adults in multi storey houses. Additionally, no significant difference was found between PA levels of women who live inboth houses types and generally moderate PA level was reported.