Physical Activity Levels of the Young Adults in an Economically Developing Country: The Turkish Sample

Ayda Karaca,Şükrü Cinemre,Emine Caglar

doi:10.2478/v10078-009-0028-z

Ayda Karaca, Şükrü Cinemre + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.2478/v10078-009-0028-z

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Abstract

Physical Activity Levels of the Young Adults in an Economically Developing Country: The Turkish Sample The purpose of this study was to examine the physical activity levels of the young adults in Turkey, selected as an example of an economically developing country. A total of 1027 university students voluntarily participated in this study. The sport and household activity indexes of the Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire (PAAQ) were administered to the subjects. Student t-test showed gender differences in the intensity of the sport activities index (p<0.001). The results of 2 (gender) × 2 (intensity of sport activities) univariate ANOVA revealed significant gender, intensity differences and significant gender × intensity interaction on participation duration in the sports activities. This finding showed that males spent more time in both vigorous and non-vigorous sport activities than females. In terms of the type of engagement in sport activity, the majority of males primarily played soccer, while females had primarily walked. The Student t test revealed gender differences in both the duration of housework and sitting in the house. To conclude, males participated in sport activities with a higher intensity and spent more time on these activities than females. On the other hand, females spent much more time on housework activities and sitting in the house than males.

Highlights

Recent research emphasizes the health benefits of moderate increases in daily activities and the development of active lifestyles (Pahkala et al, 2007; Sjolie and Thuen, 2002)
This study aimed to determine the physical activity (PA) levels of young adults using the example of Turkey as an economically developing country
As is consistent with previous studies in developed countries (Haase et al.,2004; Kronenberg et al, 2000; Malina, 2006;), gender differences were obtained in the duration and intensity of sport activities

Summary

Introduction

Recent research emphasizes the health benefits of moderate increases in daily activities and the development of active lifestyles (Pahkala et al, 2007; Sjolie and Thuen, 2002). Health-risk behaviors such as being physically inactive are generally established during adolescence and young adulthood. Intervention (e.g. during the transition from adolescence to adulthood) may be useful for preventing chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease and metabolic syndrome (McCracken et al, 2003). Exercise or regular physical activity (PA) plays an important role in the management of psychological stress (Heyward 1991); it promotes psychological well-being (Weinberg and Gould, 2007) and leads to less substance abuse and more positive feelings toward school (Saunders et al, 1997). Despite the extensive evidence for the physical, social and psychological benefits of regular PA and years of individually focused interventions, exercise and total PA levels continue to decline in industrialized countries (Phongsavan et al.,2007). Socio-cultural factors may be influencing physical activity levels or inactivity. Mexican Americans, for example, are the largest subgroup of Hispanics and have a higher prevalence of physical inactivity during leisure time than non-His-

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