Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in occupational groups from Papua New Guinea: Self-reported patterns and correlates

Abstract

Background Rapid economic growth and urbanisation in developing countries has led to changes in lifestyle behaviours and contributed to the risk of developing non-communicable diseases such as heart conditions, type 2 diabetes, obesity and cancer. Decreases in occupational physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) are of particular concern. Whereas the evidence base for PA and SB in workers from developed countries is extensive, fewer studies have investigated PA and SB issues in occupational groups from developing countries such as Papua New Guinea (PNG), in the Pacific region currently experiencing major economic change. Aims To contribute insights for health promotion action, the aims of this thesis are to measure and compare the patterns and correlates of self-reported PA and SB in different occupational groups from PNG. The aims are addressed by a detailed review of evidence in developing countries, progressing to the main thesis study on PA, SB, and sociodemographic factors associated with these behaviours in groups of office, blue-collar and retail workers.