Prevalence of leisure-time physical activity in Taiwanese adults: results of four national surveys, 2000-2004.
OBJECTIVE
Literature on the prevalence of physical activity in Asian countries is limited, despite evidence of increasing rates of sedentary-related disease such as obesity and diabetes. It is important to establish nationally representative data in countries such as Taiwan to set up levels and patterns of activity and to inform health policy.


METHODS
Unpublished data from four cross-sectional nationally representative surveys comprising 29,226 people aged 20 and older were analyzed. We explored the population prevalence of meeting national recommendations for health, examined temporal change across a 4-year period, and attempted comparisons with neighboring Asian and selected westernized countries. Logistic regression analysis provided adjusted odds ratios of physical activity engagement for several demographic variables.


RESULTS
Around 14% of Taiwanese adults met national recommendations. Similar to other Asian countries, but in contrast to declines with age seen in western populations, people aged 45 and older were more likely to be active than younger people. High-risk groups for inactivity were those aged 20-44 with limited formal education and in paid employment.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall prevalence in leisure-time physical activity was low. There is scope to increase active leisure for improving health, particularly among younger adults.
Ku
Po-Wen
PW
Graduate Institute of Sports and Health, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua City 500, Taiwan. cooper8989@yahoo.com.tw
Fox
Kenneth R
KR
McKenna
Jim
J
Peng
Tai-Lin
TL
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002681:China; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003625:Data Collection; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D012846:Singapore; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013624:Taiwan; D013997:Time Factors