Estimation of leisure time physical activity and sedentary behaviour among school adolescents in Nepal

Abstract

BackgroundLeisure-time physical activity is essential for healthy and physically active life; however, this domain of physical activity is less common in developing countries. Information on leisure time physical activity and sedentary behaviour among Nepalese population is not available. The study was carried out to assess leisure time physical activity and sedentary behaviour among high school adolescents and identify the associated factors in Nepal.MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in Banke district, Nepal in 2013 among higher secondary school students using self-administered questionnaire based on International Physical Activity Questionnaire. A sample of 405 students, 178 females and 227 males, of the age–group 15 to 20 years from seven schools were included in the study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify factors associated with participation in leisure time physical activity and sedentary behaviour.ResultsEngagement of female in leisure time physical activity was lower but mean time spent on sitting per day was higher. Students who walked to school and have playground/parks near home, younger females (OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.18-8.08), females living in nuclear families (OR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.01-4.62) and males who cycled to school (OR: 8.09, 95% CI: 2.35-27.80) and have provision of extra-curricular activities (OR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.04-5.97) were more likely to be engaged in leisure time physical activity. On the other hand, students who did not have playground in school and lived in rural areas were more likely to sit for more than 6 hours a day. Likewise, male students of private school (OR: 6.41, 95% CI: 2.89-14.21), who used vehicle to reach school (OR: 5.90, 95% CI: 1.26-27.75) and have no provision of extra-curricular activities (OR: 2.98, 95% CI: 1.09-8.07) had longer sitting time.ConclusionDifference in leisure time physical activity and sedentary behaviour was found among male and female school adolescents. Interventions are needed not only to promote leisure time physical activity but also to reduce sedentary behaviour among this group.

Is physical inactivity associated with depressive symptoms among adolescents with high screen time? Evidence from a developing country

“…among children and adolescents has increased considerably during the recent past in many economically developing countries (Cui et al, 2011;Khan & Burton, 2016; S. Lee et al, 2015;Paudel et al, 2014;Ravikiran et al, 2014). Screen-based activities can be for academic or recreational purposes, and include e.g., watching television, using a computer/tablet, playing video games, and using social media on a small screen such as a smart-phone.…”

Physical Activity Level of the Youth in Selected Countries of the World

“…It should be remembered that the research was carried out with a use of long version of the IPAQ, in which the question about time spent on sitting takes into account not only ordinary day of the respondent, as in the IPAQ -short version, but also weekend (Marshall, Bauman et al after : Biernat 2013). Such a lack of distinction can be observed in the research by Paudel et al (2014). Therefore, a great caution is needed when comparing with each other the results obtained from both versions of the IPAQ -long and short.…”

“…Another paper chosen by authors Paudel et al (2014) estimates the level of physical activity and sedentary behaviour of Nepalese youth (n=405) aged 15-20 in their leisure time. Once again it confirms the thesis of greater inclination for sitting life style in girls than in boys.…”

Family leisure-time physical activities – results of the “Juniors for Seniors” 15-week intervention programme

“…In this context LTPA practices depend mostly on awareness, abilities and one's willingness to be physically active. The time spent on sedentary activities such as watching TV, sitting either at school or home, reading, playing or working on computers is crucial since it consequently limits the time available for LTPA [5,37,49,55]. World Health Organization [57] guidelines recommend that all young people should participate in LTPA of at least moderate intensity daily.…”