Physical inactivity in nine European and Central Asian countries: an analysis of national population-based survey results

Whiting S, Mendes R, Abu-Omar K, Gelius P, Crispo A, McColl K, Simmonds P, Fedkina N, Andreasyan D, Gahraman H, Migal T, Sturua L, Obreja G, Abdurakhmanova Z, Saparkulovna IN, Erguder T, Ekinci B, Keskinkilic B, Shukurov S, Yuldashev R, Berdzuli N, Rakovac I, Breda J (2021)

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

European Journal of Public Health Oxford University Press (OUP): Policy B - Oxford Open Option D

DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab028

Abstract

Background - Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases. However, recent and systematically obtained national-level data to guide policy responses are often lacking, especially in countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. This article describes physical inactivity patterns among adults in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Republic of Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan. Methods - Data were collected using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire drawing nationally representative samples of adults in each country. The national prevalence of physical inactivity was calculated as well as the proportional contribution to total physical activity (PA) during work, transport and leisure-time. An adjusted logistic regression model was applied to analyze the association of age, gender, education, household status and income with physical inactivity. Results - National prevalence of physical inactivity ranged from 10.1% to 43.6%. The highest proportion of PA was registered during work or in the household in most countries, whereas the lowest was during leisure-time in all countries. Physical inactivity was more likely with older age in eight countries, with female gender in three countries, and with living alone in three countries. There was no clear pattern of association with education and income. Conclusion - Prevalence of physical inactivity is heterogeneous across the region. PA during leisure-time contributes minimally to total PA in all countries. Policies and programs that increase opportunities for active travel and leisure-time PA, especially for older adults, women and people living alone will be an essential part of strategies to increase overall population PA.

Authors with CRIS profile

Karim Abu-Omar Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit der Ausrichtung Gesundheitsförderung/Public Health/Sozialwissenschaften des Sports Peter Gelius Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit

Involved external institutions

Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale" IT Italy (IT) WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of NCDs (NCD Office) RU Russian Federation (RU) Ministry of Health BY Belarus (BY) World Health Organization CH Switzerland (CH) National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC) / დაავადებათა კონტროლისა და საზოგადოებრივი ჯანმრთელობის ეროვნული ცენტრი GE Georgia (GE) National Institute of Health AM Armenia (AM) Ministry of Healthcare AZ Azerbaijan (AZ) Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy / Universitatea de Stat de Medicină și Farmacie „Nicolae Testemițanu” MD Moldova, Republic of (MD) WHO Country Office Turkey TR Turkey (TR) Ministry of Health TR Turkey (TR) Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyzstan KG Kyrgyzstan (KG)

How to cite

APA:

Whiting, S., Mendes, R., Abu-Omar, K., Gelius, P., Crispo, A., McColl, K.,... Breda, J. (2021). Physical inactivity in nine European and Central Asian countries: an analysis of national population-based survey results. European Journal of Public Health. https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckab028

MLA:

Whiting, Stephen, et al. "Physical inactivity in nine European and Central Asian countries: an analysis of national population-based survey results." European Journal of Public Health (2021).

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