Patterns of physical activity in different domains and implications for intervention in a multi-ethnic Asian population: a cross-sectional study.
BACKGROUND
The benefits of regular physical activity for quality of life and disease prevention have been well documented. Identification of low activity groups would facilitate interventional programs. Many studies have focussed on leisure time activity, which may not capture the spectrum of physical activity relevant to disease prevention. Furthermore, few studies have been conducted in urban Asian settings.


METHODS
We evaluated physical activity in different domains (leisure time, occupational, household and transportation) and its sociodemographic determinants in 4750 adult Chinese, Malay, and Asian Indian Singaporeans. Physical activity was assessed using locally validated questionnaires.


RESULTS
Occupational and household activity contributed substantially more to total physical activity than leisure time or transportation activity. However, when only activity of at least moderate intensity was considered leisure time activity contributed most to total physical activity. Higher socio-economic status was associated with more leisure time activity, but less total physical activity due to reduced activity in the other domains. Chinese ethnicity was also associated with less total physical activity as a result of less activity in non-leisure time domains.


CONCLUSIONS
In assessing levels of physical activity and recommending changes, it is important to consider physical activity in different domains. Focus on leisure-time physical activity alone could identify the wrong groups for intervention and miss opportunities for increasing physical activity in populations.
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
Ei Ei
EE
Khaing Nang
Eric Y H
EY
Khoo
Agus
A
Salim
E Shyong
ES
Tai
Jeannette
J
Lee
Rob M
RM
Van Dam
D056044:Actigraphy / Q000295:instrumentation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001208:Asia / Q000208:ethnology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult