Urbanization and physical activity in the global Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology study

Abstract

Urbanization may influence physical activity (PA) levels, although little evidence is available for low- and middle- income countries where urbanization is occurring fastest. We evaluated associations between urbanization and total PA, as well as work-, leisure-, home-, and transport-specific PA, for 138,206 adults living in 698 communities across 22 countries within the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. The 1-week long-form International PA Questionnaire was administered at baseline (2003–2015). We used satellite-derived population density and impervious surface area estimates to quantify baseline urbanization levels for study communities, as well as change measures for 5- and 10-years prior to PA surveys. We used generalized linear mixed effects models to examine associations between urbanization measures and PA levels, controlling for individual, household and community factors. Higher community baseline levels of population density (− 12.4% per IQR, 95% CI − 16.0, − 8.7) and impervious surface area (− 29.2% per IQR, 95% CI − 37.5, − 19.7), as well as the rate of change in 5-year population density (− 17.2% per IQR, 95% CI − 25.7, − 7.7), were associated with lower total PA levels. Important differences in the associations between urbanization and PA were observed between PA domains, country-income levels, urban/rural status, and sex. These findings provide new information on the complex associations between urbanization and PA.

A decade beyond the economic recession: A study of health‐related lifestyles in urban and rural Spain (2006–2017)

“…In addition, after the economic recession, a long‐term decline in physical activity among urban women was also observed. Based on European literature, our results in urban populations in the long term could be associated with the effects of urbanization on total physical activity in this population (Boakye et al, 2023).…”

Beyond Boundaries: A Comprehensive Review of Anthropometric Indices in Urban and Rural India

“…Sedentary lifestyles: Sedentary lifestyles pose a substantial health challenge in urban areas, exacerbated by the impact of urbanization on job structures and the resultant decrease in both occupational and leisure-time physical activity [ 32 ]. Numerous urban factors further hinder physical activity, including high-volume traffic, extensive reliance on motorized transportation compromised air quality, and a shortage of safe public spaces and recreation/sports facilities [ 29 ].…”

The urgent need for a policy on epidemiological data on cardiovascular diseases in Bangladesh

“…Bangladesh has emerged as a developing nation after experiencing rapid economic expansion in the preceding decades, during which time the country experienced a period of accelerated civilization. Due to the sedentary lifestyles that become the norm as a result of growth and urbanization (changes in eating habits, such as the increased availability and demand for processed food and the inappropriate timing of meals), the prevalence of cardiac disorders is thought to rise 6 . Atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD) have a strong dietary influence 7 .…”

“…Due to the sedentary lifestyles that become the norm as a result of growth and urbanization (changes in eating habits, such as the increased availability and demand for processed food and the inappropriate timing of meals), the prevalence of cardiac disorders is thought to rise. 6 Atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD) have a strong dietary influence. 7 People's dietary habits and the prevalence of obesity are affected by the food environment, 8 which in turn contributes to the incidence of CVDs.…”