The Sedentary Time and Physical Activity Level of Adulthood: Comparative by Age and Gender Group

Abstract

In adulthood, physical activity provides benefits for health outcomes. Watching television, using a computer while sitting, and driving too long can make the sedentary time longer, eventually reducing physical activity. Therefore, this study aimed to associate sedentary time with physical activity level and compared the sedentary time and physical activity levels by age and gender. This study uses a descriptive-analytic with a cross-sectional approach to finding the association of sedentary time with physical activity level compared by age and gender group. The data was conducted from 179 adult participants located from inside and outside of Java Island, Indonesia was invited to participate in this study. Measurement of sedentary time and physical activity level used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short-form (IPAQ-SF). Through the research process, this study found that the average age of study participants is 38.69 years old (SD±11.99; min-max=19-65 years old). Sedentary time, described through sitting time, is associated with physical activity level (OR 18.67; 95%CI= 8.48-41.08). Males on 19-44 years old group had greater physical activity total scores (1694.93 MET-minutes a week; SD ± 1256.46; min-max=0-4620) than females (1095.95 MET-minutes a week SD ± 824.66; min-max=0-3756). There are no different physical activity scores between males and females in the 45-65 age group. In conclusion, sedentary time is related to the level of physical activity performed. Individuals who do low physical activity spend more time on sedentary behaviours, which ultimately have an impact on decreasing their health outcomes and have a higher risk of developing NCD.