Prevalence Of Sedentary Behavior Research Articles

Prevalence and disparities in adolescents’ sedentary behavior from twenty-three African countries: evidence from World Health Organization Global School-based Student Health Survey

ObjectivesStudies on sedentary behavior among adolescents in Africa are limited, hindering public health initiatives. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence, age, gender, country's income level, and sub-regional disparities of sedentary behavior among adolescents in Africa. Study designCross sectional. MethodsAdolescents who participated in the Global School-based Student Health Survey from the 23 participating African countries were included in the study. Sedentary behavior was assessed with a self-reported questionnaire. A meta-analysis using random effect modeling was used to estimate the prevalence, age, gender, country's income level, and sub-regional disparities of sedentary behavior. ResultsSixty three thousand six hundred thirty five adolescents (12–17 years) were included in the analysis. The prevalence of sedentary behavior was 30% (95% CI: 27%–34%) and significantly higher among adolescents in Southern Africa and East Africa compared to adolescents in West Africa and North Africa (Q = 25.15; P < 0.001). No disparities were found for age (Q =1.51; P = 0.22), gender (Q = 0.10; P = 0.75), country's income level (Q = 4.37; P = 0.11), and survey year (Q = 1.03; P = 0.31). The results were heterogeneous between countries. ConclusionsThe results suggest that a significant proportion of adolescents in Africa engage in sedentary behavior, with the highest prevalence found in Southern Africa and East Africa. This highlights the need for context-specific policy design and interventions to increase physical activity engagement and limit sedentary behavior among adolescents in Africa.

The metabolic effects of habitual leg shaking: A randomized crossover trial.

The adverse effects of sedentary behavior on obesity and chronic diseases are well established. However, the prevalence of sedentary behavior has increased, with only a minority of individuals meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines. This study aimed to investigate whether habitual leg shaking, a behavior traditionally considered unfavorable, could serve as an effective strategy to improve energy metabolism. A randomized crossover study was conducted, involving 15 participants (mean [SD] age, 25.4 [3.6]; mean [SD] body mass index, 22 [3]; 7 women [46.7%]). The study design involved a randomized sequence of sitting and leg shaking conditions, with each condition lasting for 20 min. Energy expenditure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and other relevant variables were measured during each condition. Compared to sitting, leg shaking significantly increased total energy expenditure [1.088 kj/min, 95% confidence interval, 0.69-1.487 kj/min], primarily through elevated carbohydrate oxidation. The average metabolic equivalent during leg shaking exhibited a significant increase from 1.5 to 1.8. Leg shaking also raised respiratory rate, minute ventilation, and blood oxygen saturation levels, while having no obvious impact on heart rate or blood pressure. Electromyography data confirmed predominant activation of lower leg muscles and without increased muscle fatigue. Intriguingly, a significant correlation was observed between the increased energy expenditure and both the frequency of leg shaking and the muscle mass of the legs. Our study provides evidence that habitual leg shaking can boost overall energy expenditure by approximately 16.3%. This simple and feasible approach offers a convenient way to enhance physical activity levels.

POSTURE MONITORING

Due to a widespread use of electronic goods and an increasing trend towards desk-bound work environments, the prevalence of sedentary behaviors has reached alarming levels in the present rapidly evolving technological landscape. Poor posture, a common result of inactivity, has negative effects on your mental as well as physical wellness and overall quality of life. The third most prevalent reason why people go to the doctor on a worldwide scale is for back pain, which is often caused by poor posture. This paper explores the negative effects of sitting for long periods of time and slouching, and how important it is to maintain good posture for health and wellbeing in general.

Global Physical Activity, Active Commuting to School, and Sedentary Behavior Among Latin American Adolescents: Global School-Based Student Health Survey and the National School Health Survey.

This study aimed to compare the overall prevalence, stratified by sex and age group of global physical activity (GPA), active commuting to school (ACS), and sedentary behavior (SB) among adolescents from ten Latin American countries, and to assess the correlation of Development Index with the indicators. This research is grounded on data from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey (2009-2015) and the 2015 Brazilian National School Health Survey. The prevalence and 95% confidence intervals for GPA (≥5d/wk), ACS (≥1d/wk), and SB (>2h/d) were calculated using the chi-square test to compare the sexes (male; female) and age group (≤13y; 14y; 15y; ≥16y). We also performed Pearson correlation analysis with the Human Development Index. The prevalence of indicators ranged from 16.1% to 28.2% for GPA, from 56.7% to 71.2% for ACS, and from 20.7% to 62.6% for SB. Boys generally had a higher prevalence of GPA and ACS, and girls had a higher prevalence of SB. The prevalence of the indicators by age group varied between countries, with significant differences observed in some, depending on each indicator. A positive correlation was observed between Human Development Index, GPA, and SB. Health promotion policies must include guidelines that encourage and promote a more active and less sedentary lifestyle among young people in Latin America, considering specific groups, the local socioeconomic context, and differences between countries.

Sedentarism in Recreational Marathon Runners.

Although it has been previously observed that sedentary behavior (SB) was not related to training duration in marathon runners, little information existed about the relationship of SB with training, anthropometric and physiological characteristics in this population. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of SB and its correlation with performance parameters (such as body fat percentage, maximal oxygen uptake and weekly training volume) as well as its variation by sex and day (ie, weekdays versus weekend) in recreational marathon runners. A total of 151 finishers (women, n = 29; men, n = 122; age 43.1 (8.7) years, mean (standard deviation)) in the Athens marathon 2017 performed a series of anthropometric and physiological tests, and completed the Multi-context sitting time questionnaire. SB did not correlate with anthropometric and physiological characteristics and no difference in these characteristics was shown between low and high sedentary participants (p > 0.05). SB did not differ between women and men (p > 0.05), but differed between working and non-working days (p < 0.05). In contrast to previous findings on the general population indicating an association of a high SB with a low cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, our finding of no correlation between SB and physical fitness in marathon runners suggested that endurance exercise might offset the negative effects of SB.

Post-COVID-19 Total and Domain-specific Sedentary Behaviors in Saudi Adults

Objectives: Although previous research reported prevalence of sedentary behavior (SB) during the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of SB in the post-COVID-19 era remains unexplored. Prevalence, patterns, and determinants of post-COVID-19 total SB, and domain-specific SB in Saudi adults was examined. Methods: Participants (N=1,255; 55% females; 50% aged 20 to 29 years old) completed a Web-based survey (December 2, 2022 ‐ January 25, 2023). The Arabic version of the Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire estimated SBs (hours/day) during weekdays and weekend days. Respondents self-reported personal, anthropometric, and socioeconomical variables. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests assessed patterns of total and domain-specific SB and Kruskal-Wallis tests evaluated its determinants. Results: Most participants (54.7%) spent excessive time (≥8 hours/day) in total SB especially during weekdays (p&lt;.001). Leisure-time SB was higher compared to other domain-specific SB (p&lt;.001). Occupational-time SB was higher on weekdays while leisure-time SB was higher during weekends days (p&lt;.001). No statistically significant differences were found for transportational-time SB. Age and occupation were the main determinants of SB (p&lt;.005) while other correlates had more complex associations. Conclusions: Current efforts to reduce SB and suggest that Saudi policymakers, physicians, and researchers target not only daily total SB, but also domain-specific SB, especially in the post-COVID-19 era.

Effectiveness of Interventions for Reducing Sedentary Behaviour in Older Adults Living in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Protocol for a Systematic Review.

Background. Sedentary behaviour (SB) is an important risk factor for several health-related outcomes. The prevalence of SB is alarmingly high in older adults, who spend on average 9.4 h being sedentary each day, making them the most sedentary of all age groups. Objectives. The primary objective of this review is to assess the impact of interventions aimed at reducing SB in older adults (aged 60 years and older) living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). The research question for this systematic review is as follows: in older people living in LTCFs, do interventions aimed at reducing SB, compared to usual care, result in a decrease in SB daily time or a reduction in the length of prolonged and uninterrupted sitting bouts? Data sources. Only peer-reviewed articles will be included in this systematic review, articles will be identified using the PICO method in seven different databases. Participants and interventions. Any primary intervention study (including randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, and cohort studies) with the aim to reduce SB daily time or shorten the length of prolonged and uninterrupted sitting bouts in older adults living in LTCFs will be included. After searching databases, abstracts of the studies will be screened, and, after retrieving full text articles, data extraction will be conducted by two independent reviewers. Study appraisal and synthesis methods. The review will adhere to PRISMA reporting guidelines. Risk of bias (RoB) will be assessed using ROBINS-I or the RoB 2.0 tool and will be discussed with a third reviewer. The data will be grouped according to study design, with separate analysis for randomised and non-randomised designs. Results. The primary outcomes will be SB or time spent sedentary, assessed before and after the intervention. For the outcomes with the same measurement units, the pooled mean differences will be calculated. Standardised mean differences will be calculated for the outcomes with different measurement units. The data not suitable in numbers will be synthesised narratively. The strength of evidence of the outcomes will be assessed using GRADE assessment. If the data are suitable for quantitative analysis, we plan to use the Revman software to conduct a meta-analysis. Conclusions and implications of key findings. This protocol can serve as a valuable resource for other researchers interested in conducting similar systematic reviews or meta-analyses in the field of SB and older adult health.

Sedentary behavior is associated with poor sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic, and physical activity mitigates its adverse effects

BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the association of sedentary behavior (SB) and moderate to vigorous leisure-time physical activity (MVPA) with sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsCross-sectional, population-based study in adults, conducted from October to December 2020 in the Iron Quadrangle region, Brazil. The outcome was sleep quality, evaluated with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. SB was assessed by self-report of total sitting time, before and during the pandemic. Individuals with ≥ 9 h of total sitting time were classified as SB. In addition, the ratio of time spent in MVPA to time in SB was analyzed. A contrasted directed acyclic graph (DAG) model was constructed to adjust logistic regression models.ResultsA total of 1629 individuals were evaluated, the prevalence of SB before the pandemic was 11.3% (95%CI: 8.6–14.8), and during the pandemic 15.2% (95%CI: 12.1–18.9). In multivariate analysis, the chance of poor sleep quality was 77% higher in subjects with SB ≥ 9 h per day (OR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.02–2.97). Furthermore, a one-hour increase in SB during the pandemic, increased the chance of poor sleep quality by 8% (OR: 1.08; 95%CI 1.01–1.15). In the analysis of the ratio of MVPA per SB in individuals with SB ≥ 9 h, practicing 1 min of MVPA per hour of SB reduces the chance of poor sleep quality by 19% (OR: 0.84; 95%CI: 0.73–0.98).ConclusionSB during the pandemic was a factor associated with poor sleep quality, and the practice of MVPA can reduce the effects of SB.Graphical

Comportamento sedentário e atividade física: barreiras e facilitadores para o comportamento ativo durante a pandemia de COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to assess sedentary behavior and physical activity levels before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in healthy individuals and in those with self-reported diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression, and also identify facilitators and barriers to physical activity in these populations. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey based on a self-report questionnaire applied during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Results: In the total sample (N = 1,285) the prevalence of sedentary behavior (&gt;8 hours/day) increased by 25% during social isolation. Social isolation increased sedentary time and decreased physical activity levels in healthy individuals and in those with self-reported diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression. In both groups, the most prevalent facilitators were supervised physical activity (before the pandemic) and activities and equipment to practice at home (during the pandemic). The most prevalent barriers were the lack of time to perform physical activities (before the pandemic) and inaccessible or distance places to practice (during the pandemic). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic is related to an increased sedentary behavior and reduced physical activity levels. Significant changes in perceived barriers and facilitators to exercise were observed during the social isolation period.

Impact of active breaks on sedentary behavior and perception of productivity in office workers.

The increasing prevalence ofsedentary behavior at work, which has been exacerbated by technological advancement and remote work models, can compromise worker health, leading to both physical and mental problems. Increasing research on sedentary behavior has resulted in interventions such as active breaks. This study addresses the impact of sedentary behavior at work and the effects of active breaks. This descriptive-exploratory study with a mixed-methods approach included 70 professionals of both sexes, 86% women (35.2 [SD, 10.2] years) and 14% men (33.5 [SD, 11] years), who worked remotely in administrative roles. The intervention was a 25-week active break protocol involving lectures, a questionnaire, and an app. At the end of the intervention, 64% of participants were taking active breaks. Spending > 10 hours a day in sedentary behavior reduced significantly (from 31% to 14%), as did the proportion of workers who did not exercise (from 43% to 26%; p = 0.002). There were also reductions in post-lunch sleepiness, perceived stress (p < 0.01), and pain/discomfort (p < 0.01). Management programs for sedentary behavior should consider the use of active breaks, since they can reduce sedentary behavior and perceived sleepiness, stress, and pain. This will result in a healthier work environment, increasing employee quality of life as well as company productivity.

Prevalence of Sedentary Behaviors and Sleep Duration among Saudi Soccer Players

Prevalence of Sedentary Behaviors and Sleep Duration among Saudi Soccer Players

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Physical Activities in Post COVID 19 Lockdown among Adult Learners in South East Nigeria

Background: Reduction in physical activity, irrespective of the cause, as well as increase in the prevalence of sedentary behaviours are strongly associated with the development of some of the most serious health problems adults face such as , diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Consequently, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults should undertake regular physical activity. Many adults lack knowledge of the physical activity recommendations. The aim of the study is to determine the knowledge, attitude and physical activity level in post Covid- 19 lockdown among adult learners in South East Nigeria. Methods: The descriptive research design was adopted for the study. Researchers’ structured questionnaire on knowledge of, and attitude towards physical activities and the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were used to collect data. Results: Though the adult learners possess high level of knowledge of physical activities (64.10 %), majority do not know the physical activity recommendations by the WHO, while only 58.46% showed positive attitude towards physical activities. Physical activity level of the respondents as reported through the short form of the IPAQ showed that 54.87 % are low, 26.84 % are moderate while only 18.29 % has high physical activity level. Conclusion: The adult learners had high level of knowledge of physical activity, positive attitude towards physical activity. This did not translate to high level of physical activity. Public health awareness and health talks on the benefits of physical activities and WHO physical activity guidelines and recommendations should be mounted by the institutions.

The associations between specific-type sedentary behaviors and cognitive flexibility in adolescents.

Background: The prevalence of sedentary behavior in adolescents has aroused social attention. The association between sedentary behavior and cognitive flexibility remains unclear, and it may vary depending on the type of sedentary behavior. This study aimed to investigate the associations between specific-type sedentary behaviors and cognitive flexibility in adolescents.Method: A total of 700 Chinese adolescents aged 10–15 years were recruited. The self-report questionnaire was used to assess total sedentary time, recreational screen-based sedentary time, and educational sedentary time. The More-odd shifting task was used to assess cognitive flexibility.Results: The correlation analysis showed that recreational screen-based sedentary time was negatively correlated with cognitive flexibility, whereas educational sedentary time was positively correlated with cognitive flexibility. The regression analysis also further revealed that a significantly negative association between recreational screen-based sedentary time and cognitive flexibility, while a significantly positive association existed between educational sedentary time and cognitive flexibility.Conclusion: The findings shown that the association between recreational screen-based sedentary behavior and cognitive flexibility differs from educational sedentary behavior in adolescents, providing new ideas for a more comprehensive understanding of the association between sedentary behavior and cognitive flexibility in adolescents.

The levels of Physical Activity, Mental Health, and Sedentary Behaviour of Health Science students in UTAR during COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic forcing the students to stay at home to curb the spread of the coronavirus, which inevitably affects their mental and physical health. Thus, the evaluation of mental health (MH), physical activity (PA) and Sedentary Behaviour (SB) of Health Science students during COVID-19 is a need. Objective: To evaluate the physical activity level, mental health and sedentary behaviour of Health Science students in UTAR during COVID-19 and find the correlation among them. Method: 258 health science students were participated in this study via social media, like Facebook and WhatsApp, The Depression, anxiety, stress scale-21 (DASS-21) was used to assess mental health and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity levels and sedentary behaviour. Result: There were 34.89%, 55.04% and 25.58% of Health Science students were suffering moderate to extremely severe level of depression, anxiety and stress, respectively. Females had a higher prevalence in anxiety (F:55.49%, M: 53.95%) and stress (F:26.37%, M:23.69%), while depression more prevalent in males (M:42.81%, F: 31.87%). The Chinese Medicine students had the poorest mental health and this followed by Physiotherapy, M.B.B.S and Nursing students. Besides, the prevalence of physical inactivity was 48.99%, which a higher prevalence in females (51.43%) than males (43.10%). Besides, 39.53% of Chinese Medicine Students, 62% of M.B.B.S students, 55.56% of Nursing students and 44.83% of Physiotherapy students were categorized as physical inactivity. The prevalence of sedentary behaviour was 48.10% in Health Science students. Besides, no significant correlation found between physical activity and mental health, and sedentary behaviour and mental health. A weak negative correlation was found between physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Conclusion: The prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Physical Inactivity and Sedentary Behaviour during the pandemic was very alarming. From government to institution, adequate and regular surveillance, policy monitoring and further research should be taken.

Systematic Review of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Sleep Among Adults Living with Chronic Respiratory Disease in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB) and sleep are important lifestyle behaviours associated with chronic respiratory disease (CRD) morbidity and mortality. These behaviours need to be understood in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) to develop appropriate interventions.PurposeWhere and how have free-living PA, SB and sleep data been collected for adults living with CRD in LMIC? What are the free-living PA, SB and sleep levels of adults living with CRD?Patients and MethodsThe literature on free-living PA, SB and sleep of people living with CRD in LMIC was systematically reviewed in five relevant scientific databases. The review included empirical studies conducted in LMIC, reported in any language. Reviewers screened the articles and extracted data on prevalence, levels and measurement approach of PA, SB and sleep using a standardised form. Quality of reporting was assessed using bespoke criteria.ResultsOf 89 articles, most were conducted in Brazil (n=43). PA was the commonest behaviour measured (n=66). Questionnaires (n=52) were more commonly used to measure physical behaviours than device-based (n=37) methods. International Physical Activity Questionnaire was the commonest for measuring PA/SB (n=11). For sleep, most studies used Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (n=18). The most common ways of reporting were steps per day (n=21), energy expenditure (n=21), sedentary time (n=16), standing time (n=13), sitting time (n=11), lying time (n=10) and overall sleep quality (n=32). Studies revealed low PA levels [steps per day (range 2669–7490steps/day)], sedentary lifestyles [sitting time (range 283–418min/day); standing time (range 139–270min/day); lying time (range 76–119min/day)] and poor sleep quality (range 33–100%) among adults with CRD in LMIC.ConclusionData support low PA levels, sedentary lifestyles and poor sleep among people in LMIC living with CRDs. More studies are needed in more diverse populations and would benefit from a harmonised approach to data collection for international comparisons.

Spatial distribution of sedentary behavior and unhealthy eating habits in Belo Horizonte, Brazil: the role of the neighborhood environment.

The study aimed to analyze the spatial distribution of sedentary behavior and unhealthy eating habits, and to assess its relationship with the neighborhood environment. Cross-sectional study with data of Surveillance System of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases, carried out in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Watching television for four hours or more per day was identified as sedentary behavior. Unhealthy eating habits were defined based on regular consumption of sodas, excess fat meat, and red meat, and irregular consumption of fruits and vegetables. Georeferenced data of places for physical activity, food establishments, population and residential density, homicide rate, mean total income, and social vulnerability index were entered into the Vigitel database. The coverage area by basic health units was used as the geographical unit of neighborhood. SaTScan was used to analyze the spatial distribution. Spatial analysis identified a significant cluster of high prevalence of sedentary behavior and unhealthy eating habits, after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. The comparison of environmental characteristics inside and outside clusters showed significant differences in the physical and social environment. Physical and social environment might be related to clusters of high prevalence of sedentary behavior and unhealthy eating habits.

Sedentary behaviour levels in adults with an intellectual disability: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Sedentary behaviour (SB), which is characterised by low levels of energy expenditure, has been linked to increased cardio-metabolic risks, obesity and mortality, as well as cancer risk. No firm guidelines are established on safe levels of SB. Adults with an intellectual disability (ID) have poorer health than their counterparts in the general population with higher rates of multi-morbidity, inactivity, and obesity. The reasons for this health disparity are unclear however it is known that SB and overall inactivity contribute to poorer health. There is no clear picture of the levels of SB among individuals with ID therefore SB levels in this vulnerable population need to be examined. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the prevalence of sedentary behaviour in adults with an ID. Methods: The PRISMA-P framework was applied to identify high quality articles. An extensive search was carried out in four databases and grey literature sources . In total, 1,972 articles were retrieved of which 48 articles went forward for full review after duplicate removal and screening by title and abstract. The National Institute of Health’s quality assessment tools were used to assess article quality. Two reviewers independently assessed each article. An excel spreadsheet was created to guide the data extraction process. The final review included 25 articles. A meta-analysis was completed using REVMAN. Results: Different SB assessment types were identified in studies. These included steps, time, questionnaires, and screen time. Studies were heterogeneous. Observed daily steps per individual ranged from 44 to above 30,000, with an average of approximately 6,500 steps. Mean daily time spent in SBs was more than 60% of available time, with observed screen time of more than 3 hours. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of SB in adults with an intellectual disability. [Registration no: Index CRD42020177225].

Prevalence of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors in the French Population: Results and Evolution between Two Cross-Sectional Population-Based Studies, 2006 and 2016.

Insufficient physical activity and sedentary behaviors (SB) are major risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Monitoring the prevalence of physical activity (PA) and SB is essential to meet the health needs of the population. This article presents the prevalence of PA and SB in the French population and their evolution during the last decade. Data come from two cross-sectional surveys, representative of the population in France, the “Etude Nationale Nutrition Santé” 2006–2007 and the Esteban study 2014–2016, and were collected through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire for adults, the Youth Risk Behavior Survey and specific questionnaire for children. In 2014–2016, 71% of men and 53% of women met the PA recommendations (5 or more days per week with a moderate-intensity physical activity of at least 30 min per day). Since 2006–2007, PA has decreased for women, but increased for men; 80% of adults reported a daily leisure screen time of at least three hours in 2014–2016, in strong growth since 2006–2007. Among children, only 51% of boys and 33% of girls were meeting the PA recommendations (at least 60 min of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily). PA decreased significantly after the age of 10. Three-quarters of children spent two hours or more in front of a screen every day. These results show a lack of PA, in particular among women and girls, a high prevalence of SB in the French population, and a deterioration of these behaviours between 2006 and 2016.

Physical activity and sedentary behaviors (screen time and homework) among overweight or obese adolescents: a cross-sectional observational study in Yazd, Iran

BackgroundThe growing number of adolescents who are overweight or obese (OW / OB) is a public concern. The present study was aimed to evaluate physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors (SB) (screen time (ST) and homework time (HT)) among Yazd OW/OB adolescents.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed among 510 students aged 12-16 in Yazd, Iran. The general information, PA, and SB (ST and HT) were collected by interview based on the WHO standard questionnaire. Anthropometric data were assessed by precise instruments. Daily energy intake (Energy) was obtained from a 7-day food record. Nutritionist 4 software (version I) was run to estimate the energy.ResultsThere was a high prevalence of SB > 2h/day (97.6), ST > 2h/day (70.3%), overweight or obesity (40%), abdominal obesity (36.9%), physical inactivity (29.8%) among the students. The younger age (p = 0.014), energy (p < 0.001), no access to the yard (p < 0.001), family size ≤ 2 (p = 0.023), passive transportation, (p = 0.001), the highest school days’ HT (p = 0.033) and SB (p = 0.021), and the highest weekends’ HT among the students were the risk factors for OW/OB. The highest PA level was associated with a lower risk of OW/OB (p < 0.001). The findings were not the same in both sexes. Compared to the normal weight students, OW / OB spent more time on school days and weekdays for ST (P <0.001), HT (P <0.001, P = 0.005) and SB (P <0.001), respectively. OW/OB students showed a higher weekends’ ST (p < 0.001) and lower HT (p = 0.048) than normal-weight students.ConclusionThe prevalence of SB, ST, OW/OB, and physical inactivity were common. The school days and weekends’ HT, the school days’ SB and HT, age, energy, PA, and access to the yard, family size, and passive transportation were related to the greater chances of OW/OB students. Given that the expansion of online education and self-isolation in a new situation with COVID-19, it seems we will meet the worrying results.

Physical activity and sedentary behaviors among active college students in Kuwait relative to gender status.

SummaryObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviors (SB) and sleep duration and the associations between those variables among Kuwaiti Physical Education (PE) College students.MethodsA total of 418 participants (220 females) were randomly selected from the Basic Education College in the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training in Kuwait. Body weight and height were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. A validated questionnaire was used to assess lifestyle behaviors.ResultsBased on BMI classification, the prevalence of overweight or obesity among males (34.9%) was significantly higher than that of females (16.7%). However, the mean (SD) of body fat percentage using bioelectrical impedance analysis was 21.3 (9.0) for males and 32.3 (7.7) for females. The proportions of highly active (> 1,200 METs-min/week) males (85.9%) and females (64.3%) were significantly (p < 0.005) different. The participants exceeding 3 hours of screen viewing time/day and insufficient sleep duration (< 7 hours/night) were 76.8% and 65.1%, respectively, with no gender differences. Logistic regression, adjusted for confounders, showed that highly active PE students had a higher proportion of SB. However, neither sleep duration nor body fat percentage exhibited any significant difference relative to PA.ConclusionsDespite having high PA, Kuwaiti PE College students had a high prevalence of SB and insufficient sleep. Gender differences were found in PA but not in screen time or sleep duration. Efforts toward reducing SB and insufficient sleep among Kuwaiti PE College students are needed to reduce unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and promote health and well-being.