Which population groups are most unaware of CVD risks associated with sitting time?
OBJECTIVE
Prolonged sitting is an emerging risk factor for poor health yet few studies have examined awareness of the risks associated with sitting behaviours. This study identifies the population subgroups with the highest levels of unawareness regarding the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks associated with sitting behaviours.


METHODS
Adults (n=1256) living in Queensland, Australia completed a telephone-based survey in 2011, analysis conducted in 2013. The survey assessed participant's socio-demographic characteristics, physical activity, sitting behaviours and awareness of CVD risks associated with three sitting behaviours: 1) sitting for prolonged periods, 2), sitting for prolonged periods whilst also engaging in regular physical activity, and 3) breaking up periods of prolonged sitting with short activity breaks. Population sub-groups with the highest levels of unawareness were identified based on socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics using signal detection analysis.


RESULTS
Unawareness ranged from 23.3% to 67.0%. Age was the most important variable in differentiating awareness levels; younger adults had higher levels of unawareness. Body mass index, physical activity, TV viewing, employment status and time spent at work also identified population sub-groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Unawareness of CVD risk for prolonged sitting was moderately high overall. Younger adults had high levels of unawareness on all of the outcomes examined.
Central Queensland University, Centre for Physical Activity Studies, Institute for Health and Social Science Research, Rockhampton, Australia. Electronic address: m.duncan@cqu.edu.au.
Mitch J
MJ
Duncan
The University of Queensland, School of Human Movement Studies, Brisbane, Australia.
Nicholas
N
Gilson
Central Queensland University, Centre for Physical Activity Studies, Institute for Health and Social Science Research, Rockhampton, Australia.
Corneel
C
Vandelanotte
D017677:Age Distribution; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D011793:Queensland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D017603:Signal Detection, Psychological; D012923:Social Class
CVD; Risk awareness; Sitting time