Physical activity patterns in Mozambique: urban/rural differences during epidemiological transition

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Sociology

Background:

• Physical activity patterns vary significantly across different socio-demographic groups.
• Understanding these determinants is crucial for developing targeted public health interventions.
• Mozambique, like many nations, faces evolving lifestyle trends impacting population health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the socio-demographic factors influencing physical activity levels in Mozambican adults.
• To differentiate physical activity by intensity and domain (e.g., work, transport) in urban versus rural settings.
• To identify potential shifts towards sedentary behaviors in specific population segments.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from a national representative sample (n=3323) of adults aged 25-64 years, collected in 2005.
• Employed the World Health Organization (WHO) Stepwise Approach to Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS), including the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire.
• Calculated prevalences and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) to assess associations.

Main Results:

• High levels of physical activity were reported by the majority of participants (urban women: 83.2%, rural women: 93.2%, urban men: 78.9%, rural men: 91.6%).
• Vigorous physical activity was less prevalent in urban areas (PR=2.21 for women, PR=2.28 for men) and increased with higher education levels.
• Occupational and transport-related activities were the primary contributors to overall physical activity.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms high overall physical activity in Mozambique, particularly in rural areas.
• Urbanization and increased education correlate with reduced vigorous activity, indicating a potential trend towards more sedentary lifestyles.
• Public health strategies may need to address these emerging sedentary behaviors, especially in urban and educated populations.