Physical activity and associated factors from a cross-sectional survey among adults in northern Tanzania

Abstract

BackgroundInsufficient physical activity (PA) is a major contributing factor in the growing problem of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in urban and rural Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to determine PA and associated factors among adults in Northern Tanzania.MethodsWe analyzed secondary data from a cross-sectional serological survey nested within the Magu health and demographic sentinel surveillance population in Magu District Northwestern Tanzania. All resident adults aged 15 years and older were invited to participate in the study, and physical activity data were analyzed for 5663 participants. Data were analyzed using Stata version 13.0. We used logistic regression to obtain odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for risk factors associated with differences in PA.ResultsIn this mainly rural population, 96% reported sufficient PA, with a higher proportion in males (97.3%) compared to females (94.8%). In males the odds of sufficient PA were lower in rural areas compared to urban areas (OR = 0.19; P < 0.001; 95% CI = 0.08–0.42), while in females the odds of sufficient PA were higher in rural areas compared to urban areas (OR = 2.27; P < 0.001; 95%CI = 1.59–3.24). Leisure-related activity was low compared to work-related and transport-related activity. Farmers had a higher odds of sufficient PA than those in professional jobs in both males (OR = 9.75; P < 0.001; 95% CI = 3.68–5.82) and females (OR = 2.83; P = 0.021; 95% CI = 1.17–6.86).ConclusionThe prevalence of PA in this population was high. However, there is need for PA programs to maintain the high level of compliance during and following the transition to a more urban-based culture.

A Cross-Sectional Examination of Physical Activity Levels and Their Socio-Demographic Determinants in Southern Tanzania

“…In agreement with other studies [ 17 , 49 , 50 ], we found participants’ education and occupation to be significant determinants of their physical activity levels. Participants with higher educational attainment had lower risk of IPA.…”

“…Various socio-demographic factors may influence physical activity levels. For instance, occupations are a major contributor to physical activity, especially those which are strenuous in nature [ 16 , 17 ]. Gender disparity in physical activity is commonly reported, with higher levels in men than women [ 12 , 18 ].…”

“…Gender disparity in physical activity is commonly reported, with higher levels in men than women [ 12 , 18 ]. Differences in responsibilities at the household level and in choice of occupation may influence this disparity [ 17 , 19 , 20 , 21 ], which is also evident in younger populations [ 22 , 23 ]. The mutual influence between NCD risk factors, where for instance smokers may tend to engage in more physical activity to compensate for the adverse effect of smoking, has been of interest [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ], but has not been widely studied in African populations.…”

Cardiovascular risk behaviour is an emerging health issue in developing countries: a cross-sectional study

“…In addition, the significantly higher prevalence of physical inactivity observed among women in the current study is consistent with many other existing findings. 13, 38, 39 This could be due to workload in the home and cultural beliefs that restrict women from participating in certain types of PA. Improving PA remains the most effective strategy to manage obesity and hypertension which are major risk factors for CVD.…”

Evaluating the Effective Physical Indicators of Built Environment on Promotion of Sustainable Transportation: The Case of Sanandaj City

“…Connected problems include the potential risk of noncommunicable diseases such as obesity (Abraído-Lanza, Shelton, Martins, & Crookes, 2017; Thurber et al, 2018), type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (Abraído-Lanza et al, 2017), cancers and mental illnesses (Fakhrzadeh et al, 2016; Kim et al, 2016; Lawrence, Engelke, & Schmid, 2017; Ustaoglu, Williams, Petrov, Shahumyan, & van Delden, 2017). According to the statistics, physical inactivity and lack of mobility are associated with a 21% to 27% increased risk of colon cancer, a 27% increased risk of diabetes and heart disease, and a 30% increased risk of cardiovascular disease (John et al, 2017; Tabatabaei, Ardabili, Haghdoost, Nakhaee, & Shams, 2017).…”