Changes in the configuration and patterns of physical activity among Mongolian adults, 2005–2013

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the change in physical activity status and patterns and their associations with urban and rural residence and employment status in Mongolia.Methods: We analyzed data from 7,738 adults aged from 20 to 64 years (n = 2,877 and 4,861 for 2005 and 2013, respectively) from the Mongolian STEPS Survey on the Prevalence of Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors (NCD-STEPS survey). Physical activity in three domains, including work (occupational and household work); transport (walk or cycling); and leisure (sport or fitness) was measured by Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Physical activity levels were classified into three groups: low, moderate, and high according to the GPAQ analysis framework. The associations between physical activity time, residential area, and employment status were examined using a multivariate negative binomial regression model.Results: The percentage of respondents with low-level physical activity increased from 10.9% in 2005 to 27.2% in 2013. The median minutes of physical activity time per week were 1,020 in 2005 and 600 in 2013. Physical activity time at work, transport and overall decreased in 2013. Work-related physical activity was the most dominant component of physical activity time (55.6% in 2005 and 54.6% in 2013), the transport domain was the second-highest contributor of physical activity time in 2005 (24.0%) and was replaced by the leisure domain (26.8%) in 2013. Rural residents practiced more physical activity at work, transport, and leisure than urban residents did in 2005 (prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20–1.47; PR: 1.21, 95%CI: 1.14–1.29; and PR: 1.21, 95%CI: 1.13–1.30, respectively), but there was no significant difference by residential area in 2013. Mongolian adults with higher educational attainment, employee status, and non-employment status were less likely to engage in physical activity compared to those among adults with lower educational attainment and self-employed status.

National trends in prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension among adults in Mongolia from 4 cross-sectional surveys in 2005, 2009, 2013, and 2019

“…[ 6 ] The prevalence of obesity (≥27 kg/m 2 ) increased from 26.4% in 2005 to 38.3% in 2013 in Mongolia, [ 7 ] and the prevalence of low physical activity increased from 10.9% in 2005 to 27.2% in 2013 in Mongolia. [ 8 ] In Mongolia in 2019, high systolic blood pressure (BP) and dietary risks made the highest contribution to rates of disability-adjusted-life-years, and cardiovascular diseases (ischemic heart disease and stroke) caused the highest mortality. [ 9 ] Information on the trends of the prevalence of hypertension, awareness, treatment, and control, as well as potential risk factors among the general population, are vital for strengthening strategies in preventing and controlling hypertension.…”

Trends in sedentary behaviour and associated factors among adults in Mongolia: results from national cross-sectional surveys in 2009, 2013 and 2019

“… 8 The increase in high SB in Mongolia may be attributed to changes in occupational patterns involving more SB and an increase in less active transportation in both urban and rural areas. 5 This trend is supported by population changes from the 2009 survey (49.2% urban residence and 35.1% higher education, 12 or more years) to the 2019 survey (63.0% urban residence and 49.9% higher education), since both urban residence and higher education were associated with higher SB. Furthermore, seasonal variation in the data collection of the three surveys could affect SB.…”

“… 2–4 However, there is little information on the epidemiological trends and associated factors of SB, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries, such as Mongolia, which reduces our ability to design effective interventions. 5 …”

“…Increasing evidence demonstrated that SB significantly contributes to morbidity (type 2 diabetes, cardiometabolic risks, hypertension, high cholesterol) and mortality, with physical activity (PA) being an effect modifier 2–4. However, there is little information on the epidemiological trends and associated factors of SB, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries, such as Mongolia, which reduces our ability to design effective interventions 5…”

Trends in behavioral and biological risk factors for non-communicable diseases among adults in Bhutan: results from cross-sectional surveys in 2007, 2014, and 2019

“…Fruit/vegetable consumption (<5 servings/day), low physical activity according to the "Global Physical Activity Questionnaire" (24), current tobacco use, and problem alcohol use (eight or more standard drinks for women and 15 or more standard drinks for men/ week) (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)25).…”