Author:

Keywords:

Science & Technology, Multidisciplinary Sciences, Science & Technology - Other Topics, PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY, OLDER-ADULTS, NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES, INFLUENTIAL FACTORS, BUILT ENVIRONMENT, BACK-PAIN, ASSOCIATION, DEPRESSION, PEOPLE, RISK, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, China, Chronic Disease, Cross-Sectional Studies, Developing Countries, Female, Ghana, Health Behavior, Health Status, Health Surveys, Humans, India, Logistic Models, Male, Mexico, Middle Aged, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Russia, Sedentary Behavior, Socioeconomic Factors, South Africa, Young Adult, General Science & Technology

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Sedentary behavior (SB) is associated with adverse health outcomes independent of levels of physical activity. However, data on its correlates are scarce from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Thus, we assessed the correlates of SB in six LMICs (China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, South Africa) using nationally representative data. METHODS: Cross-sectional, community-based data on 42,469 individuals aged ≥18 years from the World Health Organization's Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health were analyzed. Self-reported time spent sedentary per day was the outcome. High SB was defined as ≥8 hours of SB per day. The correlates (sociodemographic and health-related) of high SB were estimated by multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The overall prevalence (95%CI) of high SB was 8.3% (7.1-9.7%). In the overall sample, the most important sociodemographic correlates of high SB were unemployment and urban residence. Physical inactivity, morbid obesity (BMI≥30.0 kg/m2), higher number of chronic conditions, poor self-reported health, higher disability levels, and worse health status in terms of mobility, pain/discomfort, affect, sleep/energy and cognition were associated with high SB. Several between-country differences were found. CONCLUSION: The current data provides important guidance for future interventions across LMICs to assist sedentary people to reduce their SB levels.