Physical Activity Behaviour and Prevalence of Age-Related Diseases Among Older Adults in Christian Faith-Based Organisation in Moro Local Government Kwara State

ABSTRACT
Physical inactivity among older adults is a major public health issue that contributes significantly to the prevalence of age-related diseases. This study examined the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of physical activity and how these influence the prevalence of age-related diseases among older adults in Christian faith-based Organisations in Moro Local Government, Ilorin, Kwara State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study population consisted of 150 older adults aged 60 years and above selected through purposive and random sampling techniques across five faith-based Organisations. Data were collected using a researcher-structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression at a 0.05 level of significance.Findings revealed that while all respondents had high knowledge and positive attitudes towards exercise, the majority (73.3%) demonstrated poor exercise practice. The prevalence of age-related diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and osteoporosis was high among participants. The result of regression analysis indicated that only the practice of exercise significantly contributed to the prevalence of age-related diseases (p < 0.05), whereas knowledge and attitude did not. The study concluded that actual engagement in exercise is a key factor in reducing age-related disease risks among older adults. It recommends faith-based organisations should implement structured, age-appropriate exercise programmes that are culturally sensitive and spiritually supportive to enhance health outcomes among the elderly.