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Physical Activity in Vietnam: Estimates and Measurement Issues
Tan Van Bui1, Christopher Leigh Blizzard2, Khue Ngoc Luong3
1Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Can Tho, Vietnam.
Plos One
|October 21, 2015
Summary
Approximately 70% of Vietnamese adults meet physical activity (PA) recommendations, primarily through work. Data accuracy was improved using statistical transformations, though energy-scaling showed the strongest health outcome associations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Physical Activity Research
Background:
- Establishing national physical activity (PA) estimates for Vietnam is crucial for public health.
- Investigating factors influencing the accuracy of PA data is essential for reliable public health surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide the first national estimates of physical activity (PA) in Vietnam.
- To examine challenges affecting the accuracy of PA data collection and reporting.
Main Methods:
- A nationally-representative sample of 14,706 adults (25-64 years) participated.
- The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was used for data collection.
- Multi-stage stratified cluster sampling ensured representativeness.
Main Results:
- 72.9% of men and 69.1% of women met WHO PA recommendations.
- Physical activity levels, particularly from work, were higher in rural areas and varied seasonally.
- While most participants reported valid data, some provided unrealistically high PA values, especially those in rural areas or with unstable work.
Conclusions:
- A majority of Vietnamese adults meet PA recommendations, largely due to occupational activity.
- The GPAQ is a viable tool for PA assessment in Vietnam, despite some reporting inaccuracies.
- Statistical data transformations improved summary values, with energy-scaling demonstrating the strongest link to health outcomes.
