title: Pattern of Physical Activity Among Sri Lankan Adults in the District of Colombo: A Cross-sectional Study.
abstract: Physical inactivity is a modifiable risk factor of many non-communicable diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of physical activity among Sri Lankan adults in the district of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The study was carried out among a sample of 1320 adults aged 20 to 59 years, selected using stratified, cluster sampling method. Physical activity was assessed using the long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire validated for Sri Lanka. The prevalence of sufficient physical activity was 82.0% (CI = 78.5-85.0) for males and 79.7% (CI = 76.5-82.6) for females. The odds of having sufficient activity were lower with increase in the level of urbanisation. Activity was achieved mainly through domestic and transport related activity. Only 21.7% carried out at least some activity for leisure. As Sri Lanka continues to urbanize, it is important to find strategies to increase the level of activity especially at leisure.
authors.affiliation: University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka shreenika73@yahoo.co.uk.
authors.forename: Shreenika
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: De Silva Weliange
authors.affiliation: University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
authors.forename: Dulitha
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fernando
authors.affiliation: University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
authors.forename: Jagath
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gunatilake
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013188:Sri Lanka; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014186:Transportation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014507:Urbanization; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: noncommunicable diseases; population health; social determinants of health