An Assessment of Perceived Lack of Availability to Sports Facilities Among Iranian Adults: Prevalence and Determinants From the 2021 Steps Survey Publisher



Bordbar S ; Azizpour Y ; Ejtahed H S ; Khalagi K ; Golestani A ; Rezaei N ; Akbarpour S ; Selk Ghaffari M ; Daroudi R ; Ahmadnezhad E ; Takian A ; Payab M ; Ostovar A
Source: Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Access to sports facilities is a critical determinant of sufficient physical activity (PA) and is influenced by many socioeconomic status (SES) factors. This study aimed to assess the perceived availability of suitable places for exercise and physical activity (PA) and their determinants among Iranians aged 18 and above from all provinces. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis based on Iran’s 2021 STEPwise Approach to Non-Communicable Risk Factors Surveillance (STEPS) survey. Factors including PA, access to sports facilities from the perspective of individuals, and SES factors were assessed through standardized questionnaires. Associations between predictors and lack of sports facility access were analyzed via sex-specific multivariable logistic regression. Results: A total of 25,962 participants from the STEPS-2021 survey were included in this analysis. The mean age (95% CI) of the participants was 46.0 years (45.8, 46.2), and females constituted 54.0% (95% CI: 53.3, 54.7) of the participants. The prevalence of perceived lack of availability among the participants was 9.5 (95% CI: 9.1,9.9). Considerable provincial differences were observed, with the eastern and southeastern regions showing the highest prevalence. The odds of a lack of availability from the perspective of the participants were lower among older females in comparion to females under 45 (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.57, 0.76 for 45–64; AOR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.49 for ≥ 65), urban residents in compasrion to rural residents (AOR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.57 males; AOR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.58 females), married (AOR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.93) and divorced/widowed females (AOR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.86) in comparison to single ones, employed females vs. unpaid work (AOR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.81), and the richest wealth group vs. the poorest (AOR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.55,0.94 males; AOR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.76 females). Conclusion: Access to suitable places for exercise and physical activity in Iran is affected by sex, age, SES, occupation, and geography. Females, rural residents, and low-wealth groups face barriers. Expanding facilities, ensuring affordability, and adopting policies that involve community and public–private initiatives are needed to increase PA and reduce health burdens. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Tehran University of Medical Sciences 2026.