Prevalence Of Low Physical Activity Research Articles

Physical activity and its correlates among higher secondary school students in an urban district of Nepal

BackgroundData on adolescents’ physical activity and determinants are scarce in Nepal. In this study, we aim to assess the level of physical activity, its correlates and the sedentary behavior of high school students in an urban district of Nepal.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study. Participants were selected using two-stage cluster sampling technique. We used Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) to collect information regarding physical activity and sedentary behavior. We also collected information about socio-demographic, academic, environmental and lifestyle-related factors. Data from 945 high school students from 23 randomly selected schools were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to identify correlates of low physical activity separately for male and female students.ResultsBased on GPAQ classification, one out of five respondents reported low physical activity. The prevalence of low physical activity was 8% for males and 31% for females. About 31% of the adolescents and 14% of young adults did not meet the WHO recommendations of physical activity. Forty-seven percent of the total physical activity was borne by recreational activities. Correlates of low physical activity included school type and mode of transport among females, family support and drinking among males, and playground/park around home among both.ConclusionsThe prevalence estimate of low physical activity among adolescents is high, with higher odds among females. Several different factors are associated with physical activity among males and females, therefore, interventions to promote physical activity in school may need to weigh these factors prior to/during implementation.

Effect of an Educational Intervention Based on the BASNEF Model on Promoting Physical Activity Among Postpartum Women.

Background Due to the prevalence of low physical activity (PA) among women, especially during the postpartum period, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of an educational program based on BASNEF (beliefs, attitudes, subjective norms, and enabling factors) model in promoting the postpartum PA among mothers. Methods This quasi-experimental study was carried out on 68 women of Kermanshah City in Western Iran during 2015 who were recruited through cluster random sampling method. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: intervention ( n = 33) and control ( n = 35). The subjects in the intervention group received the five educational sessions. The assessment of the participants was performed before and 6 weeks after the intervention. The researcher-made questionnaire based on the structures of the BASNEF model and the standard PA questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using SPSS-24 software. Results After educational intervention, there was a significant difference between the mean scores of knowledge, attitude, subjective norms, behavioral intention, enabling factors, number of steps, and the intensity of PA ( p < .001). In addition, there was no significant difference between groups toward the PA intensity before the intervention ( p = .590), but this relationship was significant after the intervention ( p = .001). Conclusion Based on the results, training the PA based on the BASNEF model can be effective in promoting the PA in the postpartum period; therefore, it is recommended that the educational programs be applied for all these mothers in postpartum period. In addition, if the theories and behavior change models be correctly applied in educational programs, the useful results will be obtained.

Benefits of Physical Activity during Pregnancy and Postpartum: An Umbrella Review.

This study aimed to summarize the evidence from the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report, including new evidence from an updated search of the effects of physical activity on maternal health during pregnancy and postpartum. An initial search was undertaken to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2006 and 2016. An updated search then identified additional systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between January 2017 and February 2018. The searches were conducted in PubMed®, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library and supplemented through hand searches of reference lists of included articles and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The original and updated searches yielded a total of 76 systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Strong evidence demonstrated that moderate-intensity physical activity reduced the risk of excessive gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, and symptoms of postpartum depression. Limited evidence suggested an inverse relationship between physical activity and risk of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and antenatal anxiety and depressive symptomology. Insufficient evidence was available to determine the effect of physical activity on postpartum weight loss, postpartum anxiety, and affect during both pregnancy and postpartum. For all health outcomes, there was insufficient evidence to determine whether the relationships varied by age, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or prepregnancy weight status. The gestational period is an opportunity to promote positive health behaviors that can have both short- and long-term benefits for the mother. Given the low prevalence of physical activity in young women in general, and the high prevalence of obesity and cardiometabolic diseases among the U.S. population, the public health importance of increasing physical activity in women of childbearing age before, during, and after pregnancy is substantial.

The Impact of Physical Activity on Non-communicable Diseases: Findings from 20 Years of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study.

ContextLow physical activity is one of the major risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The current paper reviews the main findings from Tehran lipid and glucose study (TLGS) that focus on physical activity and its association with cardiometabolic risk factors over the past two decades.Evidence AcquisitionWe conducted a literature search for articles from 1999 to December 2017 using the search terms: (Physical activity, leisure time physical activity, non-communicable disease, and TLGS).ResultsThe prevalence of low physical activity was 69.8% during phase ΙΙ of TLGS (2000 - 2004). During 6.5 years of follow up, the prevalence of low physical activity in the total population decreased significantly between phases II (2000 - 2004) and IV of TLGS (2008 - 2010) (P < 0.05). Overweight individuals with sedentary lifestyles had a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, compared to those who had high levels of leisure-time physical activity in phase IV of TLGS (2008 - 2010); in the obese group, systolic blood pressure, and triglyceride levels differed significantly between different leisure-time physical activity categories (106.9 ± 14.3 vs. 119.1 ± 17.2 mmHg, P = 0.03) and (111.4 ± 1.6 vs. 147.1 ± 1.6 mg/dL, P = 0.01), respectively.ConclusionsThe present review highlights the impact of low physical activity on the health of the TLGS community from adolescence to adulthood. The decreased prevalence of low physical activity from phase ΙΙ to phase ΙV of TLGS indicates the necessity for lifestyle interventions as a potentially effective strategy, which could have a positive impact on various risk factors and indicators of non-communicable diseases such as body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and lipid profiles.

The association of parental obesity with physical activity and sedentary behaviors of their children: the CASPIAN‐V study

ObjectiveLow physical activity and sedentary behaviors, two important determinants of childhood obesity, may be influenced by parental lifestyle and weight status. This study aims to determine the association of parental weight status with children's physical activity and screen time. MethodsThis study was conducted on 14,440 Iranian schools students, aged 7–18 years, and one of their parents, who participated in the large national school‐based surveillance program. The children's screen‐based and physical activities were evaluated based on the World Health Organization's Global School Student Health Survey. Children and parental height, weight, and waist circumference were measured using standardized methods. ResultsOverall, 14,274 students and one of their parents completed the survey (participation rate: 99%). Mean (standard deviation) age of students was 12.3 (3.2) years, and the prevalence of low physical activity and high screen time was 58.2% and 17.7%, respectively. In multivariate model, the parental general obesity and abdominal obesity increased the odds of children having low physical activity, by 21% and 13%, respectively. Parental overweight, general obesity, and abdominal obesity increased the odds of the combination of low physical activity/high screen time in children by 33%, 26%, and 20%, respectively. ConclusionsThis study showed that parental obesity was associated with increased screen‐based activities and low physical activity in children. Focus on parental weight status, as an important factor influenced by their lifestyle, can be helpful for preventing sedentary behaviors in their children.

Prevalence and determinants of physical activity in a mixed sample of psychiatric patients in Saudi Arabia.

Objectives:To estimate prevalence of physical activity and its associations with various psychiatric disorders and the use of psychotropic medications.Methods:A cross-sectional observational study was carried out between July 2012 and June 2014. Patients were enrolled from a number of hospitals located in 5 regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Results:A total of 1185 patients were included in current analysis: 796 were outpatients, and 389 were inpatients. Out of 1,185 patients, 153 (12.9%) were physically active. Much higher rates of physical activity were reported among males than females (15.9% versus 9.6%, p<0.001). According to the univariate analysis, higher rates of physical activity were positively correlated with primary bipolar disorders, the use of antianxiety medications and, to a lesser extent, use of antipsychotic medications, but they were negatively correlated with primary anxiety disorders, use of antidepressant medications, and use of multiple psychotropic medications. The associations between physical activity and primary bipolar disorders (odds ratio [OR]=2.47, p=0.002), use of antianxiety medications (OR=3.58, p=0.003), and use of multiple psychotropic medications (OR=0.33, p<0.001) remained significant after adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics.Conclusion:We report a variable but generally low prevalence of physical activity among a large, mixed sample of psychiatric patients in Saudi Arabia. These findings may highlight the importance of assessing physical activity status of psychiatric patients and the critical need for physical activity promotion programs among this group of disadvantaged patients.

Prevalence and correlates of low physical activity in the Iranian population: National survey on non-communicable diseases in 2011.

To assess the prevalence and correlates of low physical activity among Iranian population aged 15-64years. We used the data collected in National Surveillance of Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases in Iran, 2011. Physical activity was categorized in 3 levels of low, moderate, and high based on a Persian version of Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. The multistage cluster sampling design was accounted for using complex survey analysis method. The sample included 10016 individuals; 41.7% (n=4178) were men and 58.3% (n=5837) were women. The mean (SD) age of participants was 38.8 (14.9) years also, and 69.8% (n=6991) of the participants were from urban areas. The prevalence of low physical activity in the whole population was estimated to be 44.8% (95% CI: 41.7, 48.1). The odds of lower physical activity in the women were 3 times greater than men (OR=3.14; 95% CI: 2.64, 3.57); in the wealthiest people was 25% lower than the poorest people (OR=0.75; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.94). The odds of lower physical activity in the age groups 55-64years were 44% greater than the youngest age groups 15-24years (OR=1.44; 95% CI: 1.23, 1.68). The odds of lower physical activity in the obese participants were 18% greater than normal-weight people (OR=1.18; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.38).). The odds of lower physical activity in diabetic patients were 30% greater than healthy people (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.57). The prevalence of low physical activity in Iran, 2011 was high. The correlates of low physical activity in Iran are different to those of Western populations. The main associated factors with low physical activity were female gender, urban area, low socioeconomic status, obesity, diabetes, and older age. Public health policies should target the groups at highest risk of low physical activity.

Correlates of Physical Activity Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults With Hazardous Drinking Habits in Six Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

We investigated physical activity (PA) correlates among middle-aged and older adults (aged ≥50 years) with hazardous drinking patterns in six low- and middle-income countries. Cross-sectional data were analyzed from the World Health Organization's Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health. Hazardous drinking was defined as consuming >7 (females) or >14 (males) standard drinks per week. Participants were dichotomized into low (i.e.,not meeting 150min of moderate PA/week) and moderate-high physically active groups. Associations between PA and a range of correlates were examined using multivariable logistic regressions. The prevalence of low PA in 1,835 hazardous drinkers (60.5 ± 13.1 years; 87.9% males) was 16.2% (95% confidence interval [13.9%, 18.9%]). Older age, living in an urban setting, being unemployed, depression, underweight, obesity, asthma, visual impairment, poor self-rated health, and higher levels of disability were identified as significant PA correlates. The current data provide important guidance for future interventions to assist older hazardous drinkers to engage in regular PA.

A comparative study of physical activity level among inpatients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Aims: Regarding the low level of physical activity (PA) in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (BD), our aim was to compare the level of PA between the two groups. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 patients with schizophrenia and 100 patients with BD were selected through convenience sampling in 2017. The level of PA was assessed using International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Chi-square, extended Fisher's exact, Student's t, and Mann–Whitney tests were applied to analyze the data. Results: Prevalence of low PA in schizophrenic patients and BD was 36.7% and 30.3%, respectively. The frequency of moderate PA was less in schizophrenic patients than that in the BD patients (56.1% and 65.7%, respectively) and vigorous PA was more frequent in schizophrenic patients than the BD individuals (7.1% and 4%, respectively) (P = 0.334). Schizophrenic patients had significantly fewer minutes of PA than that of the BD patients (P = 0.027). Minutes of vigorous PA were higher in schizophrenic patients, while BD patients had more minutes of moderate PA, but these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). BD patients had significantly more walking minutes than that of the schizophrenic patients (P = 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of inactivity was higher in schizophrenic patients than BD patients. This rate was high in both groups due to hospitalization, factors associated with the disease, or even lack of attention to these patients. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the physical health of these patients; also, psychiatric centers should take preventive and interventional measures in this regard.

Correlates of physical activity among community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years or older with anxiety in six low- and middle-income countries.

Cross-sectional data from the World Health Organization's Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health were analyzed. PA level was assessed by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. 980 participants with anxiety (mean age 73.3 years; 62.4% females) were grouped into those who do and do not (low PA) meet the 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA per week recommendation. Associations between PA and the correlates were examined using multivariable logistic regressions. The prevalence of low PA was 44.9% (95% CI = 39.2-50.7%). Older age, male gender, less consumption of alcohol, mild cognitive impairment, pain, a wide range of somatic co-morbidities, slow gait, weak grip strength, poor self-rated health, and lower levels of social cohesion were identified as significant positive correlates of low PA. Our data illustrate that a number of sociodemographic and health factors are associated with PA levels among older people with symptoms of anxiety. The promotion of social cohesion may increase the efficacy of public health initiatives, while from a clinical perspective, somatic co-morbidities, cognitive impairment, pain, muscle strength, and slow gait need to be considered.

The association of parental obesity with physical activity and sedentary behaviors of their children: the CASPIAN-V study

ObjectiveLow physical activity and sedentary behaviors, two important determinants of childhood obesity, may be influenced by parental lifestyle and weight status. This study aims to determine the association of parental weight status with children's physical activity and screen time. MethodsThis study was conducted on 14,440 Iranian schools students, aged 7–18 years, and one of their parents, who participated in the large national school-based surveillance program. The children's screen-based and physical activities were evaluated based on the World Health Organization's Global School Student Health Survey. Children and parental height, weight, and waist circumference were measured using standardized methods. ResultsOverall, 14,274 students and one of their parents completed the survey (participation rate: 99%). Mean (standard deviation) age of students was 12.3 (3.2) years, and the prevalence of low physical activity and high screen time was 58.2% and 17.7%, respectively. In multivariate model, the parental general obesity and abdominal obesity increased the odds of children having low physical activity, by 21% and 13%, respectively. Parental overweight, general obesity, and abdominal obesity increased the odds of the combination of low physical activity/high screen time in children by 33%, 26%, and 20%, respectively. ConclusionsThis study showed that parental obesity was associated with increased screen-based activities and low physical activity in children. Focus on parental weight status, as an important factor influenced by their lifestyle, can be helpful for preventing sedentary behaviors in their children.

Physical activity correlates in people with anxiety: Data from 46 low- and middle-income countries.

There is a lack of nationally-representative data on the correlates of physical activity (PA) among people with anxiety symptoms. Thus, we investigated PA correlates among community-dwelling adults with anxiety symptoms in 46 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) using predominantly nationally-representative data. Cross-sectional data from the World Health Survey were analysed. PA was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and participants were dichotomised into those that do (≥150min moderate-vigorous PA) and do not (<150min) meet recommended PA weekly targets. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the correlates. The analysis included 24,850 people with anxiety symptoms (43.3±16.6years; 39.7% males). The prevalence of low PA was 33.1% (95%CI=31.6%-34.6%). Older age [e.g., OR=4.57 for age≥65 vs. 18-24years], not married/cohabiting (vs. married/cohabiting OR=1.36), being in the richest quintile (vs. poorest OR=1.41), unemployed (vs. employed OR=2.18), inadequate vegetable consumption (vs. adequate OR=1.66), and poor sleep/energy, worse cognition, pain/discomfort and mobility difficulties were all significant correlates of low PA. PA is associated with a range of factors among people with anxiety symptoms. Future interventions might target the identified correlates in order to facilitate people with anxiety to be more physically active.

Correlates of low physical activity across 46 low- and middle-income countries: A cross-sectional analysis of community-based data

Physical inactivity accounts for 5.5% of all avoidable global deaths. However, a paucity of multinational studies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), has investigated correlates of physical activity (PA). Thus, we assessed the correlates of PA using cross-sectional, community-based data of the World Health Survey including 46 LMICs. PA was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and participants were dichotomized into those who do (≥150min moderate-vigorous PA per week) and do not (<150min=low PA) comply with the World Health Organization (WHO) PA recommendations. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the PA correlates. The prevalence of low PA in 206,356 persons (mean age 38.4years; 49.6% males) was 29.2% (95%CI=28.3%–30.0%). In the overall sample, female sex, not married/cohabiting, high education and wealth, unemployment, and urban setting were significant sociodemographic correlates of low PA. In terms of other correlates, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, subsyndromal depression, worse sleep/energy and cognition, visual impairment, hearing problems and asthma were associated with not meeting the WHO recommendations. There were some variations in the correlates depending on age and sex. Interventions should be developed that operate at multiple levels of influence and take into account age- and gender-related PA patterns in order to assist people in LMICs to comply with the WHO PA recommendations. Researchers, funding bodies, practitioners and policymakers in education, mental and physical health, and urban planning have a critical role to play.

Correlates of physical activity among depressed older people in six low‐income and middle‐income countries: A community‐based cross‐sectional study

Despite the benefits of physical activity (PA) in older people with depression, many do not comply with the International PA guidelines. Thus, we investigated what factors influence PA participation among 915 community-dwelling older adults (aged ≥65years) with depression in 6 low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Cross-sectional data were analyzed from the World Health Organization's Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health. The sample was restricted to those with DSM-IV depression or receiving depression treatment in the last 12months. PA was assessed by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Participants were dichotomized into low (ie, not meeting 150minutes of moderate PA per week) and moderate-to-high physically active groups. Associations between PA and a range of correlates were examined using multivariable logistic regressions. The prevalence of low PA was 40.4% (95%CI=34.8%-46.1%). After adjusting for age, sex, and country, larger household size and unemployment were significant sociodemographic correlates of low PA. Former smoking (vs never), anxiety, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), lower body mass index, bodily pain, asthma, chronic back pain, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hearing problems, stroke, slow gait, poor self-rated health, higher levels of disability, and lower levels of social cohesion were identified as significant negative correlates of PA. The current data provide guidance for future interventions across LMICs to assist older people with depression engage in regular PA. The promotion of social cohesion may increase the efficacy of future public health initiatives, while from a clinical perspective, somatic co-morbidities, MCI, pain, and slow gait need to be considered.

Physical activity correlates among people with psychosis: Data from 47 low- and middle-income countries

BackgroundPeople with schizophrenia engage in low levels of physical activity (PA). However, few large-scale studies have investigated the factors that may influence PA participation in individuals with psychosis and data from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is especially scarce. Thus, we investigated PA correlates in a large sample of people with a psychosis diagnosis across 47 LMICs. MethodsCross-sectional data from the World Health Survey, restricting to those with a self-reported lifetime diagnosis of schizophrenia/psychotic disorder, was analyzed. PA was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and participants were dichotomized into those that do and do not (low PA) meet the minimum recommended PA weekly targets (≥150min). A range of socio-demographic, health behavior, and mental and physical health variables were examined using random effects logistic regression. ResultsOverall 2407 people (mean 42.0years, 41.5% males) with schizophrenia/psychosis were included. The prevalence of low PA was 39.2% (95%CI=37.0%–41.2%). Male sex (odds ratio (OR)=1.33), increasing age, unemployment (vs. employed OR=2.50), urban setting (vs. rural OR=1.75), inadequate fruit consumption (vs. adequate fruit intake OR=3.03), depression (OR=1.33), sleep/energy disturbance, and mobility limitations were significantly associated with low PA. Marital status, education, wealth, smoking, vegetable and alcohol consumption, anxiety, cognition, pain, and chronic medical conditions were not significant correlates. ConclusionPA is influenced by a range of factors among people with psychosis. These correlates should be considered in interventions aiming to facilitate PA in psychotic individuals living in LMICs.

Physical activity correlates in heavy episodic drinkers: Data from 46 low- and middle-income countries

ObjectiveTo investigate physical activity (PA) correlates among community-dwelling adults with frequent (i.e., at least twice per week), heavy episodic drinking habits (4 drinks for women and 5 for men) in 46 low- and middle-income countries. MethodCross-sectional data from the World Health Survey were analyzed. PA was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and participants were dichotomized into those who meet (≥150 min moderate-vigorous PA) or do not meet (<150 min) recommended PA weekly targets. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the correlates. ResultsThe analysis included 4186 frequent heavy episodic drinkers (39.4 ± 13.9years; 78.7% males). The prevalence of low PA was 24.4% (95%CI = 23.2%–25.8%). Older age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.02 per one-year increase], not married/cohabiting (vs. married/cohabiting OR = 1.31), higher (tertiary) education (vs. no formal OR = 1.67), being in the richest quintile (vs. poorest OR = 1.58), unemployed (vs. employed OR = 1.86), urban setting (vs. rural OR = 1.69) and mobility difficulties (OR = 1.07, per unit increase in a scale ranging from 0 to 10) were all significant correlates of low PA. ConclusionsPA is associated with a range of factors among people with frequent heavy episodic drinking habits. The identified correlates provide clues as to how PA may be increased in this vulnerable population. Future research should explore the role of specific environmental attributes relevant to PA on mental health populations (and people with alcohol use problems) in low- and middle-income countries.

The relationship between physical activity and mental health among adolescents in six middle-income countries: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACTPhysical inactivity and poor mental health are emerging worldwide youth problems. Using the Global School-based Health Survey, this secondary data analysis study examined the link between physical activity and adolescent mental health among 23,372 adolescents between 11 and 17 years of age in six middle-income countries. The authors assessed physical activity by participation in (a) exercise for 60 min and (b) walking/biking in any day of a week in the past 7 days. The authors assessed mental health by the presence of (a) loneliness, (b) anxiety, (c) depression, (d) suicidal ideation, and (e) suicide attempts in the past 12 months. There was a low prevalence of physical activity among the participants. In general, there was a low prevalence of 12-month mental health problems among adolescents. Further research may incorporate physical activity to promote positive youth mental health for possible cost-effective interventions.

Physical activity levels and associated socio-demographic factors in Bangladeshi adults: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundLow level of physical activity (PA) has become an important public health problem even in low-income countries. The objectives of this study were to measure PA levels, determine the prevalence of low PA and identify socio-demographic factors associated with it in Bangladeshi adults.MethodsData from 792 (urban, 395; rural, 397) Bangladeshi adults (25–64 years) were included in this population-based cross-sectional study conducted in 2011. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire version 2 (GPAQ-2) was used to measure PA. The metabolic equivalent task (MET) in minutes per week was calculated to determine total PA. Participants were categorized into low, moderate and high PA groups. Logistic regression was used to assess socio-demographic factors associated with low level of PA.ResultsMedian MET-minute of total PA per week was almost double in the rural area (1720) than the urban area (960). The overall prevalence of low PA was 50.3% (95% CI: 46.8–53.8), urban 59.5% (54.7–64.3) and rural 41.9% (37.0–46.8). Women in general were more inactive (women 63.1% [58.3–67.9], men 39.3% [34.6–44.0]). The main contributions to total PA were from work (urban 40.0%, rural 77.0%) and active commute (57.0%, 21.0%). Leisure-time PA represented a very small proportion (<3.0%). Multiple logistic regressions found a significant association of urban residence (OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.5–3.2), women (2.1; 1.4–3.9), oldest age group 55–64 years (15.6; 7.5–32.2) compared to youngest age group 25–34 years, graduation or further education (8.6; 4.1–17.7), and higher socio-economic class (2.4; 1.4–4.2) compared to poor with insufficient PA.ConclusionsThis study identifies low PA in a rural and urban population in Bangladesh and that further large-scale population studies are warranted.

Physical activity and anxiety: A perspective from the World Health Survey

BackgroundDespite the known benefits of physical activity (PA) among people with anxiety, little is known about PA levels in people with anxiety at the population level. This study explored the global prevalence of anxiety and its association with PA. MethodsCross-sectional, community-based data from the World Health Survey was analyzed. Prevalence of anxiety was estimated for 237,964 individuals (47 countries). PA was categorized as low, moderate, and high based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form). The association between PA and anxiety was assessed by multivariable logistic regression. ResultsThe overall global prevalence of anxiety was 11.4% (47 countries). Across 38 countries with available data on PA, 62.5%, 20.2%, and 17.3% of the sample engaged in high, moderate, and low levels of PA respectively. The prevalence of low physical activity in those with and without anxiety was 22.9% vs. 16.6% (p<0.001) (38 countries, n=184,920). In the pooled model adjusted for socio-demographics, depression, and country, individuals engaging in low PA (vs. high PA) had 1.32 (95% CI=1.17–1.47) times higher odds for anxiety than those with high PA. Female sex, older age, lower education and wealth, and depression were also associated with low PA. At the individual country level, there was a significant positive association between low PA and anxiety in 17 of the 38 countries. ConclusionLow PA levels are associated with increased prevalence of anxiety. There is a need for longitudinal research to establish the directionality of the relationships observed.

Physical activity and depression: a large cross-sectional, population-based study across 36 low- and middle-income countries.

Physical activity (PA) is good for health, yet several small-scale studies have suggested that depression is associated with low PA. A paucity of nationally representative studies investigating this relationship exists, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study explored the global association of PA with depression and its mediating factors. Participants from 36 LMICs from the World Health Survey were included. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were undertaken exploring the relationship between PA and depression. Across 178 867 people (mean ± SD age = 36.2 ± 13.5 years; 49.9% male), the prevalence of depression and the prevalence of low PA were 6.6% and 16.8% respectively. The prevalence of low PA was significantly higher among those with depression vs. no depression (26.0% vs. 15.8%, P < 0.0001). In the adjusted model, depression was associated with higher odds for low PA (OR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.24-1.63). Mediation analyses demonstrated that low PA among people with depression was explained by mobility limitations (40.3%), pain and discomfort (35.8%), disruptions in sleep and energy (25.2%), cognition (19.4%) and vision (10.9%). Individuals with depression engage in lower levels of PA in LMICs. Future longitudinal research is warranted to better understand the relationships observed.