A cross-sectional study on the perceived barriers to physical activity and their associations with domain-specific physical activity and sedentary behaviour

Abstract

Background Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour have detrimental consequences to the individual and the economy. Our study examined the prevalence of perceived barriers to physical activity in Singapore’s adult population and their associations with physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Methods This cross-sectional analysis utilised data from a nationwide survey in Singapore. Participants (n = 2867) were recruited from February 2019 to March 2020. The independent variables were internal (e.g. fatigue, age) and external (e.g. weather, cost) perceived barriers to physical activity. The outcomes were domain-specific physical activity (work, transport and leisure) and sedentary behaviour, all of which were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. The associations were examined using zero-inflated negative binomial regressions for physical activity and linear regression for sedentary behaviour. Results The median (Interquartile range) for work-related, transport-related and leisure-related physical activity were 0 (0 – 1440), 600 (160 – 1120) and 360 (0 – 1080) MET (metabolic equivalent)-minutes per week. The median sedentary behaviour (IQR) was 360 (240 – 540) minutes per day. The top three barriers were lack of time (65.3%), fatigue (64.7%) and pollution (56.1%). After adjustment, the level of transport-related physical activity was lower for respondents who cited lacking pavement or parks as a barrier, but higher for those who indicated cost and safety concerns. Respondents who reported pollution as a barrier were more likely to engage in transport-related physical activity. The level of leisure-related physical activity was lower for respondents indicating weather, lack of time and age as barriers, but higher for those reporting safety concerns. The odds of engaging in leisure-related physical activity was lower for those citing age, cost and fatigue as barriers, but higher for those indicating the weather. Sedentary behaviour was positively associated with work and limited accessibility to exercise facilities, but negatively with safety concerns. Conclusion Individuals can be motivated to overcome internal barriers (fatigue, lack of time, cost and age) through social support and emphasis on exercise benefits. External barriers (weather and lack of pavements or parks) can be reduced by raising awareness of existing infrastructure. Sedentary behaviour can be improved by implementing workplace measures, such as reducing the time spent sitting.

Perceived barriers to maintain physical activity and its association to mental health status of Bangladeshi adults: a quantile regression approach

“…Moreover, among the studies in Bangladesh, Sadia et al 21 surveyed physical activity barriers only in Diabetic patients, and Uddin et al emphasized on the environmental barriers among young adults in Dhaka city 17 . Being physically inactive increases the risk of mental health problems, such as depression and dementia, and physical health risks like obesity and chronic conditions 22 . Physical inactivity is an important factor that can cause mild to moderate mental distress, such as depression and anxiety 23 .…”

Physical Activity in Malaysia: Are We Doing Enough? Findings from the REDISCOVER Study

“…The low PA levels in the transport domain could be related to the excess use of motorized transportation such as cars and motorcycles [ 20 ]. As for the leisure domain, the reason for this may be due to lack of facilities for PA, concern for safety, especially amongst women, and lack of time to fit in additional PA on top of other domestic and occupational commitments [ 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 ]. To counter this, guidelines and policies are in place to encourage Malaysians to be more active; these include the National Strategic Plan for Active Living [ 16 , 50 ], improving facilities such as recreational parks and sport facilities, and accessibility for non-motorized transportation such as covered walkways and cycling zones [ 45 , 51 ].…”

Patterns of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Thai 2021 National Health Survey

“…12 This may imply the role of conducive environments such as good access to parks, recreational spaces, and public transport 30,31 contributing to a more active lifestyle in an economically advanced country, where physical activity at work declines. 32 Furthermore, the findings showed regional differences in physical activity. Those residing in Bangkok were more likely to be sufficiently active compared to those living in other regions.…”