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Twenty-year trends in physical activity among Canadian adults
Cora L Craig1, Storm J Russell, Christine Cameron
1Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, Ottawa, ON. ccraig@cflri.ca
Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne De Sante Publique
|February 11, 2004
Summary
Canadian adults showed increased physical activity from 1981-2000, a positive trend contrasting other nations. However, sedentary lifestyles persist, especially for women, older adults, and lower-income individuals.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Sociology
Background:
- Physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for mortality and chronic diseases globally.
- Limited trend data exists for physical activity levels in many countries, hindering targeted public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate trends in physical activity among Canadian adults aged 18 years and older between 1981 and 2000.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of six national surveys conducted between 1981 and 2000, with sample sizes ranging from 2,500 to 18,000 participants.
- Prevalence testing using Chi-square and Student's t-tests.
- Examination of socio-demographic correlates through adjusted odds ratios for age, sex, education, and income.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in physical activity was observed among Canadian men and women throughout the 1980s and 1990s (p<0.01).
- While education-related disparities in physical activity narrowed, age-related differences widened, and income-based disparities emerged during the study period.
Conclusions:
- Canada's positive physical activity trend contrasts with recent declines in Australia, England, and the United States, aligning with Finland's trends.
- Despite overall improvements, sedentary living remains a public health concern, particularly affecting women, older adults, and individuals with lower incomes.