A cross-cultural study of physical activity and sedentariness in youth from Mozambique and Portugal

Thayse Natacha Gomes,Francisco Tchonga,Peter T. Katzmarzyk,Fernanda Karina dos Santos,Albertino Damasceno,António Prista,Michele Souza,José Maia

doi:10.1590/s1980-6574201700si0087

Abstract

Abstract Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and country of origin (Mozambique versus Portugal) on physical activity and sedentariness. Methods: Sample size was comprised of 593 adolescents from Mozambique (n=258) and Portugal (n=335), aged 10-15 years old. Height and weight were measured, and BMI was computed; furthermore, subjects were classified in two groups (normal weight and overweight/obese). The mean time (min/day) spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), and sedentary activity were assessed using the GT3X Actigraph accelerometer over at least 4 days (1 weekend day) with a minimum of 10 hours/day of monitoring. Multiple regression analysis was done in SPSS 20. Results: A low percentage of Mozambican (3.9%) and Portuguese (4.3%) youth complied with the MVPA recommendations (60min·day-1). However, Portuguese boys spend more time in MVPA. Girls and those with higher BMI spend more time in sedentary activities and less time in MVPA and LPA; older adolescents spend more time in sedentary activities and less time in LPA. There is a significant effect of the country of origin on MVPA, favouring Portuguese youth. Conclusions: Results suggest country differences in MVPA between Mozambican and Portuguese youth - the Mozambicans are less involved in MVPA than the Portuguese, probably reinforcing the undesirable effect of the urbanization process in developing nations.

Highlights

The health benefits of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), especially among youth, are well known[1, 2]
Given that the urbanization process may be contributing to a decrease in children and adolescent’s PA levels, the purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and country of origin (Mozambique versus Portugal) on levels of PA and sedentariness in youth
Except for MVPA, significant differences were found for light physical activity (LPA) and sedentary time (ST) - Mozambican children and adolescents have, on average, more LPA and ST; further, Portuguese youth have higher BMI values

Summary

Introduction

The health benefits of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), especially among youth, are well known[1, 2]. It is acknowledged that, around the world, the urbanization process affects children and adolescents’ daily lives in many different ways[3,4,5] This impact is more evident in developing countries, causing drastic changes in lifestyles[6], leading to decreasing levels in habitual physical activity (PA), increasing levels in sedentariness[6], and as a consequence, an escalation in the prevalence of overweight and obesity[7, 8]. There is a trend in developing nations for high prevalence of sedentariness and a relevant decrease in MVPA levels, namely among youth, with similar frequencies of those found in developed nations[10, 11]

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Discussion

Conclusion