The prevalence and correlates of physical activity/inactivity and sedentary behaviour among high-school adolescents in Iran: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are the main risk factors for non-communicable diseases in all stages of life. However, there is a lack of reliable data regarding the recommended level of physical activity and its correlates related to physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour among school students in Iran. The aim of the present study was to report the prevalence and correlates of physical activity/inactivity and sedentary behaviour among Iranian high school adolescents. Methods The Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) was used for data collection. Related data comprising socio-demographics, health risk behaviour and protective factors were obtained from 1517 high school students. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between relevant independent variables (e.g. gender) and the dependent outcome variable (physical inactivity/sedentary behaviour). Results The prevalence of recommended physical activity by WHO was 27.8%, physical inactivity 72.2% and sedentary behaviour 71.4%. Being female, being overweight or obese, walking/cycling to or from school on 1–4 days, sitting 3 or more hours/day (sedentary behaviour), insufficient vegetable intake, being bullied and lack of parental support, peer support and parental connectivity (protective factors) were positively associated with physical inactivity. On the other hand, walking/cycling to or from school on 5–7 days and inadequate fruit intake were negatively associated with physical inactivity. Walking/cycling to or from school on 1–4 days, being physically inactive, inadequate fruit intake and being bullied were positively associated with sedentary behaviour. Conclusion The prevalence of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour was high in our studied sample. Interventions that address the issue of active school transport, sedentary behaviour, fruit and vegetable intake, family and peer support and bullying should be given more priority by the public health authorities.

Physical Activity Promotion in Schools Using Theoretically Designed Mobile Phone Application

“…[ 3 ] In a study in Iran, the prevalence of physical activity recommended by the World Health Organization among high school students is approximately 27.8%, about 72.2% of whom were not physically active, and the girl’s physical activity was lower than boys’. [ 4 ]…”

Relationship of Social Determinants and Physical Activity among Adolescents with Risk of Obesity in Rural Areas of Indonesia

“…The previous study found that the socio-demographics of adolescents, such as gender, parental education, parental occupation, and parental income, are related to the adolescents' physical activity, generally. [14][15][16] Based on this description, the researchers want to determine the relationship between social determinants and physical activity among adolescents with the risk of obesity in rural areas of Indonesia.…”