A cross-sectional survey of physical activity among middle aged women in Singapore

To assess the extent to which middle-aged women in Singapore engage in physical activity of a level which would result in long-term health benefits, and to determine the factors associated with this.

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of women aged between 35 and 60 years residing in Marine Terrace. A standardised questionnaire incorporating a modified Seven-Day Recall Questionnaire was used to record the level and type of physical activity engaged in over the past week. Demographic information and factors promoting or discouraging sports and exercise were also elicited. The total energy expenditure for household, occupational and sports activities of moderate intensity and above was calculated using metabolic equivalents (METs) in kcal/kg/week.

Of the 341 respondents, 50.7% reported engaging in at least moderate activity for 30 minutes or more every day during the past week, thus fulfilling the WHO recommendations on physical activity. Housework contributed significantly to the energy expenditure on these activities among our target population. After adjusting for age, body mass index and educational level, we found that housewives without domestic help were most likely to fulfill the WHO recommendations. Housewives or working women with domestic help were the two groups at highest risk of low physical activity. A lack of time was the reason most commonly cited for not engaging in sports or exercise.

Studies assessing physical activity in relation to disease risk among women should include domestic work in addition to the traditional leisure-time activities. There is a scope for further efforts to improve the level of activity in this population, which could be facilitated by the support of health professionals, employers and family members.