Physical Activity Tracking Among Sri Lankan Adults: Findings From a 7-Year Follow-up of the Ragama Health Study. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pinidiyapathirage, Janani; Kasthuriratne, Anuradhani; Bennie, Jason A.; Pathmeswaran, Arunasalam; Biddle, Stuart J. H.; De Silva, Hithanadura Janaka; Chackrewarthy, Sureka; Dassanayake, Anuradha S.; Ranawaka, Udaya; Kato, Norihiro; Wickremasinghe, Ananda Rajitha
• Is Part Of: Asia-Pacific journal of public health. Volume 33:Number 2/3(2021)
• Page Start: 205
• Page End: 212
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: physical activity -- lower middle-income countries -- Sri Lanka -- noncommunicable diseases -- population studies; Public health -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Public health -- Asia -- Periodicals; 362.1095
• DOI: 10.1177/1010539520971179
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1010-5395

Abstract

Limited data are available on physical activity tracking among adults in low- and middle-income countries. Using a longitudinal design, we assessed trends and correlates of physical activity among Sri Lankan adults. Individuals selected through age-stratified random sampling, were screened initially in 2007 (n = 2986) and reevaluated in 2014 (n = 2148). On both occasions, structured interviews and clinical measurements were completed. Approximately 40% of the participants engaged in recommended levels of physical activity both at baseline and follow-up. One-fifth reported increased physical activity at follow-up, a similar proportion reported being persistently inactive or a reduction in physical activity. In the adjusted analysis, being persistently active was associated with male sex, a lower educational level and income, being free of any chronic disease conditions, better self-rated health, and sitting time <8 hours. Our findings support public health interventions to help maintain recommended physical activity levels over time, particularly for subgroups at high-risk of physical inactivity.