Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Exercise Physiology, Sport Sciences Research Institute, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Sport Medicine and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Regular physical activity helps maintain and improve health, while sedentary behaviours are associated with poor health outcomes. This study aimed to examine the levels of physical activity and daily sitting time among adult women in Tehran. A total of 312 adult female residents of Tehran (mean age = 35.35 ± 9.15 years; BMI = 25.12±4.14 kg/m²) from various socioeconomic backgrounds were analyzed during 2018-2019. Physical activity levels and daily sitting time were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests to compare single and married participants, chi-square tests, and one-way ANOVA to assess differences across age groups and educational levels. Additionally, Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated to explore relationships between variables. All analyses were conducted at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05 using SPSS software (version 26). Results showed that 135 participants (43.3%) had low physical activity levels, 130 (41.7%) moderate, and 47 (15.1%) high, indicating a physical inactivity prevalence of 43.3%. Daily sitting time was categorized as follows: 22 participants (7.1%) sat for less than four hours, 43 (13.8%) for four to less than six hours, 48 (15.4%) for six to eight hours, and 196 (62.8%) for more than eight hours per day. These findings indicate a high prevalence of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviours among adult women in Tehran. Thus, to prevent the adverse effects of physical inactivity and foster a healthy future generation, it is essential to educate and promote a healthy, active lifestyle among women in society.
Keywords
)