نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 گروه فیزیولوژی ورزشی، پژوهشگاه تربیت بدنی و علوم ورزشی، تهران، ایران
2 گروه طب ورزشی و بهداشت، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران
3 گروه فیزیولوژی ورزشی، دانشکده تربیت بدنی و علوم ورزشی، دانشگاه خوارزمی، تهران، ایران
کلیدواژه‌ها
عنوان مقاله English
نویسندگان English
Background & Purpose
Physical activity is a cornerstone of women’s health, playing a crucial role in preventing major diseases and disabilities. A decline in physical activity, often paralleled by reduced physical fitness, is both a cause and consequence of weight gain. In contrast, regular physical activity is a primary preventive strategy against a wide range of chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia, and depression, while also contributing to overall well-being. Conversely, sedentary behaviour is strongly associated with adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to assess physical activity levels and daily sitting time among adult women in Tehran, examining the influence of factors such as marital status, age group, educational attainment, and the interrelationships between these variables.
Materials & Methods
This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted as a field survey among adult women in Tehran. The study population comprised women aged 18–64 years, from whom a sample of 312 participants representing diverse social backgrounds was selected. Data collection took place between 2018 and 2019. The mean age of participants was 35.35 ± 9.15 years, with a mean height of 161.81 ± 6.09 cm, mean body mass of 65.62 ± 10.92 kg, and mean BMI of 25.12 ± 4.14 kg/m². The short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess both physical activity levels and daily sitting time. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of the Sport Sciences Research Institute (IR.SSRC.REC.1403.046), and all participants were informed about the study’s objectives and procedures in accordance with the 2013 Helsinki Declaration. Independent t-tests were used to compare single and married women, while chi-square tests assessed differences across age groups and education levels. Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients were employed to explore relationships between variables. All analyses were conducted using SPSS version 26, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05.
Results
The average energy expenditure among participants was 1246.15 MET-minutes per week, and the mean daily sitting time was 8.14 hours. Physical activity levels were categorized as low (135 participants, 43.3%), moderate (130 participants, 41.7%), and high (47 participants, 15.1%). Daily sitting time was distributed as follows: less than 4 hours (22 participants, 7.1%), 4–6 hours (43 participants, 13.8%), 6–8 hours (48 participants, 15.4%), and more than 8 hours (196 participants, 62.8%). The prevalence of physical inactivity was 43.3%, with a higher rate among single women (45.5%) compared to married women (41.1%). Physical inactivity increased with age, particularly up to 50 years, and was positively associated with higher educational attainment. Notably, 63.4% of participants reported sitting for more than 8 hours per day, with older women more likely to fall into this category.
Conclusion
This study revealed that 43.3% of adult women in Tehran have low levels of physical activity, indicating a substantial prevalence of physical inactivity. These findings are consistent with previous research suggesting that social, cultural, and familial roles may limit women’s opportunities to engage in physical activity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global prevalence of insufficient physical activity among women in 2016 was 31.7%, defined as less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week. Several limitations should be noted: the sample size was relatively small compared to the target population, the cross-sectional design precluded assessment of longitudinal trends, and reliance on self-reported questionnaires may have introduced measurement bias. Future studies should employ larger, more representative samples and objective measures such as accelerometers (e.g., ActiGraph) to more accurately assess physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and related factors such as sleep. The influence of psychological and environmental variables-including stress, socioeconomic status, and social support-was not addressed in this study but may play significant roles in shaping physical activity and sedentary patterns. Further research is needed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between sedentary behaviour and public health.
The findings highlight that a significant proportion of adult women in Tehran lead sedentary lifestyles, with a considerable amount of time spent sitting each day. Sedentary behaviour was particularly prevalent among single, older, and more educated women. These results underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary time. To improve public health and mitigate the risks associated with inactivity, it is essential to implement programs that encourage active lifestyles, especially among high-risk groups. Educational and supportive initiatives emphasizing the benefits of regular physical activity and reduced sedentary behaviour could play a pivotal role in enhancing women’s health and the well-being of future generations.
Article Message
The findings indicate a high prevalence of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour among adult women in Tehran. Therefore, to prevent the adverse effects of inactivity and ensure the health of mothers and future generations, it is crucial to foster and promote an active lifestyle among women in society.
کلیدواژه‌ها English
