Physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep in the Thai population: A compositional data analysis including 135,824 participants from two national time-use surveys

Abstract

Purpose To determine the amounts of time spent in physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB), and sleep in the Thai population, as well as their sociodemographic correlates and changes over time. Methods We analysed cross-sectional data collected in a population-representative, stratified random sample of 135,824 Thais aged 10 years and over as part of the two most recent Thai National time-use surveys (2009 and 2015). Daily activities reported by the participants were coded using the International Classification of Activities for Time-Use Statistics (ICATUS) and categorised as PA, SB, or sleep. Results In the latest survey, participants spent on average the largest amount of time sleeping (geometric mean [g] = 9.44 h/day; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.42, 9.47), followed by PA (g = 8.60 h/day; 95% CI: 8.55, 8.64) and SB (g = 5.96 h/day; 95% CI: 5.93, 6.00). The time spent in PA was higher on weekdays, while the amounts of SB and sleep were higher on weekends (p < 0.05). Males, older age groups, and unemployed people spent less time in PA and more time in SB, compared with other population groups (p < 0.05). We found a relatively large increase in SB (mean difference [d] = 39.64 min/day; 95% CI: 36.18, 42.98) and decrease in PA (d = 54.33 min/day; 95% CI: -58.88, -49.30) over time. These findings were consistent across most sociodemographic groups, with the most concerning shifts from active to sedentary lifestyle found among people with a higher education degree and on weekends. Conclusions Our findings revealed a shift to a more sedentary lifestyle in the Thai population. Public health interventions should focus on improving time use among males, older age groups, and unemployed people, while preventing the rapid decrease in PA and increase in SB among those with a higher education degree and on weekends.

Sedentary behavior is associated with poor sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic, and physical activity mitigates its adverse effects

“…This may influence the genetic and environmental factors that affect SB and sleep quality, such as circadian rhythms, melatonin production, and light exposure. Some of the studies were conducted in populations with a predominant ethnicity, such as Asian [ 13 , 14 ] or Caucasian [ 58 ], which may limit the applicability of their findings to other ethnic groups. Therefore, our study provides valuable information on the association between SB and sleep quality in a diverse and heterogeneous population, which may increase the external validity and generalizability of the results.…”

The Relationship between Sex, Physical Activity and Body Mass Index in Thai Adult Working

“…(YY Chan et al,2017). Public health interventions should focus on improving time use among males, older age groups, and unemployed people, while preventing the rapid decrease in PA and increase in SB among those with a higher education degree and on weekends (Liangruenrom, N et al, 2023).The promotion of physical activity for Thai people is influenced by various factors, including the current situation and the actions being taken to encourage an active lifestyle. Here's an overview of the situation and some actions concerning physical activity for Thai people: Situation 1.Sedentary Lifestyle: Many Thais, particularly in urban areas, lead sedentary lifestyles due to factors such as desk jobs, increased screen time, and reliance on motorized transportation.…”