The Association between Difficulty Seeing and Physical Activity among 17,777 Adults Residing in Spain

This is the first representative population-based study exploring the association between difficulty seeing (i.e. low vision) and physical activity in Spain. Cross-sectional data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 were analysed (n = 17,777, ≥15 years; 52% females). Difficulty seeing was self-reported in response to the question ‘‘Do you have difficulty seeing?” The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form was used to measure level of physical activity. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations overall and by age group (15–49, 50–64, ≥65 years). Covariates included in the analysis were: sex, age, education, marital status, use of glasses or contact lenses, cataracts, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, smoking, and alcohol consumption. The overall prevalence of difficulty seeing was 11%, and the overall prevalence of participating in less than 600 MET-minutes/week of physical activity was 30.2%. After adjustment for covariates, difficulty seeing was associated with significantly higher odds of performing less than 600 MET-minutes/week of physical activity: odds ratio = 1.222 (95% confidence interval = 1.099–1.357). Considering the impact on health and quality of life due to reduced physical activity in people with difficulty seeing, at least 600 MET-minutes/week of physical activity should be promoted to this population.