Lyutha K Al Subhi1, Shekar Bose, Maraim F Al Ani. 1. Dept of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Al Khoud, Oman.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A cross-country profile of physical activity and sedentary behavior is lacking within Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) counties. The objectives were to examine prevalence of physical activity and sedentary behavior among adolescents of 10 EMR countries, and to describe potential differences in the 2 factors by sex, age, and BMI. METHODS: A total of 23,562 adolescents were included from 10 EMR counties based on completeness of data (physical activity, sedentary behavior, age, sex, weight and height) from the Global school-based student health survey (GSHS). RESULTS: Overall prevalence of physical activity (19%) is low and sedentary behavior is high (29%), with significant differences among counties. Oman had the highest (26%) and Egypt had the lowest (9%) prevalence of active students. Prevalence of sedentary behavior was the highest in United Arab Emirates (40%) and lowest in Pakistan (8%). Physical activity was lower and sedentary behavior was higher among female adolescents. A linear trend was observed between BMI and both physical activity and sedentary behavior; a similar pattern was seen with age. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for interventions to increase the prevalence of adolescents meeting physical activity recommendations in the 10 countries. More investigation is required to understand the cultural context of sex and BMI influence on activity patterns.
BACKGROUND: A cross-country profile of physical activity and sedentary behavior is lacking within Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) counties. The objectives were to examine prevalence of physical activity and sedentary behavior among adolescents of 10 EMR countries, and to describe potential differences in the 2 factors by sex, age, and BMI. METHODS: A total of 23,562 adolescents were included from 10 EMR counties based on completeness of data (physical activity, sedentary behavior, age, sex, weight and height) from the Global school-based student health survey (GSHS). RESULTS: Overall prevalence of physical activity (19%) is low and sedentary behavior is high (29%), with significant differences among counties. Oman had the highest (26%) and Egypt had the lowest (9%) prevalence of active students. Prevalence of sedentary behavior was the highest in United Arab Emirates (40%) and lowest in Pakistan (8%). Physical activity was lower and sedentary behavior was higher among female adolescents. A linear trend was observed between BMI and both physical activity and sedentary behavior; a similar pattern was seen with age. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for interventions to increase the prevalence of adolescents meeting physical activity recommendations in the 10 countries. More investigation is required to understand the cultural context of sex and BMI influence on activity patterns.
Authors: Abdelghaffar El-Ammari; Hicham El Kazdouh; Siham Bouftini; Samira El Fakir; Youness El Achhab Journal: Environ Health Prev Med Date: 2017-05-18 Impact factor: 3.674
Authors: Lauren Arundell; Jo Salmon; Harriet Koorts; Ana Maria Contardo Ayala; Anna Timperio Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2019-06-11 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Chloé M C Brouzes; Nicolas Darcel; Daniel Tomé; Maria Carlota Dao; Raphaëlle Bourdet-Sicard; Bridget A Holmes; Anne Lluch Journal: Curr Dev Nutr Date: 2020-01-06
Authors: Chloé M C Brouzes; Nicolas Darcel; Daniel Tomé; Raphaelle Bourdet-Sicard; Sanaa Youssef Shaaban; Yasmin Gamal El Gendy; Hisham Khalil; Elaine Ferguson; Anne Lluch Journal: J Nutr Date: 2021-06-01 Impact factor: 4.798