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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Patterns of physical activity and sedentary behavior in a representative sample of a multi-ethnic South-East Asian population: a cross-sectional study

Authors: Aye Mya Win, Lim Wei Yen, Kristin HX Tan, Raymond Boon Tar Lim, Kee Seng Chia, Falk Mueller-Riemenschneider

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

Few studies have investigated patterns of physical activity in a multi-ethnic Asian urban population. Even less is known about sedentary behaviors in these populations. The present study examined the prevalence of physical activity, exercise and sedentary behavior. In addition, it investigated socio-demographic correlates and the contribution of different domains towards overall physical activity.

Methods

Data of 2319 participants from the population-based cross-sectional Singapore Health 2012 study were analyzed. Physical activity, exercise and sedentary behavior were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaires. A modified Cox regression model was used to estimate the relative prevalence rates (PR) for overall physical activity, leisure-time exercise and high level of sedentary behavior by socio-demographic factors.

Results

Overall, 73.8% of participants met physical activity guidelines, 24.3% did regular leisure-time exercise and 37.0% reported high levels of sedentary behavior. Travel-related activities contributed about half of the total physical activity. There was a consistent association between age of participants with physical activity and exercise. Older participants were less likely to meet the guidelines (PR = 0.74, 95% C I = 0.61 – 0.91) than younger participants. The prevalence of regular exercise was lowest among 30 to 39 years aged participants (PR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.45 – 0.86). Females exercised less regularly (PR = 0.63, 95% C I = 0.51 – 0.76) than males. Participants with higher education exercised regularly (PR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.45 – 2.99) than participants with lower education. Employment status was consistently associated with exercise and high levels of sedentary behavior. Participants who were not in full-time employment exercised more regularly (PR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.1 – 1.92) and were less likely to report high levels of sedentary behavior (PR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.44 – 0.97) than those in full-time employment.

Conclusions

Our population-based study suggests a need to encourage overall physical activity but, particularly regular leisure-time exercise, especially among middle-aged, females and those with lower levels of education and full-time employment. Strategies targeting workplaces may be important to reduce high levels of sedentary behavior.
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Metadata
Title
Patterns of physical activity and sedentary behavior in a representative sample of a multi-ethnic South-East Asian population: a cross-sectional study
Authors
Aye Mya Win
Lim Wei Yen
Kristin HX Tan
Raymond Boon Tar Lim
Kee Seng Chia
Falk Mueller-Riemenschneider
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-015-1668-7

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