title: Human development, occupational structure and physical inactivity among 47 low and middle income countries.
abstract: This study aimed to (a) assess the relationship between a person's occupational category and their physical inactivity, and (b) analyze the association among country-level variables and physical inactivity. The World Health Survey (WHS) was administered in 2002-2003 among 47 low- and middle-income countries (n = 196,742). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to collect verbal reports of physical activity and convert responses into measures of physical inactivity. Economic development (GDP/c), degree of urbanization, and the Human Development Index (HDI) were used to measure country-level variables and physical inactivity. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association among country-level factors, individual occupational status, and physical inactivity. Overall, the worldwide prevalence of physical inactivity in 2002-2003 was 23.7%. Individuals working in the white-collar industry compared to agriculture were 84% more likely to be physically inactive (OR: 1.84, CI: 1.73-1.95). Among low- and middle-income countries increased HDI values were associated with decreased levels of physical inactivity (OR: 0.98, CI: 0.97-0.99). This study is one of the first to adjust for within-country differences, specifically occupation while analyzing physical inactivity. As countries experience economic development, changes are also seen in their occupational structure, which result in increased countrywide physical inactivity levels.
authors: Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada; School of Kinesiology & Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
authors: Kaitlin
authors: K
authors: Atkinson
authors: School of Kinesiology & Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
authors: Samantha
authors: S
authors: Lowe
authors: Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Room 529, Columbia, SC 29208, United States; School of Kinesiology & Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
authors: Spencer
authors: S
authors: Moore
keywords: Economic development; Occupation; Physical activity transition; Physical inactivity