engleski

A Comparative Study on Self-Perceived Health of Cyclists and Inactive Persons in Croatia

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the self-perceived health of persons who regularly (three or more times a week) use a bicycle as a means of transport with that of completely or mostly (less than three times a week) inactive persons in Croatia. Methods: The study included 108 persons who used a bicycle three or more times a week, for longer than half an hour. The average respondent age was 37. Sixty-six respondents were men (61%), 42 women (39%). The control group comprised 100 persons with the average age of 39. Among control respondents, 58 were men (58%) and 42 women (42%). Health was self-assessed by means of a health status questionnaire – the Croatian version of SF-36. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed in all health dimensions between cyclists and inactive persons. The poorest health dimensions in physically inactive individuals were vitality and energy, psychological health, and role limitation due to emotional problems. A total of 42.6% cyclists and no more than 17% of their inactive counterparts declared having better health than last year. A difference was also observed in the segment of health deterioration relative to a year ago – 30% of inactive participants stated their health worsened compared to a year ago, as did 8% of cyclists. While 4% of inactive respondents felt their health deteriorated drastically, no cyclists thought likewise. Conclusion: Cyclists perceived their health significantly better than the physically inactive respondents. Lifestyle factors that affect health self-assessment could be an important explanation.

cyclists, health self-assessment, physical activity, physical inactivity, Croatia

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