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Objectively measured sedentary time among five ethnic groups in Amsterdam: The HELIUS study
Anne Loyen1, Mary Nicolaou2, Marieke B Snijder2,3
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Plos One
|August 1, 2017
Summary
Objectively measured sedentary time did not differ significantly among five ethnic groups in Amsterdam. Physical activity recommendations were inversely associated with sedentary time across all groups.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Sedentary behavior is a recognized health risk, yet understudied in ethnic minorities.
- Understanding ethnic variations in sedentary time is crucial for targeted health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare objectively measured sedentary time levels and correlates across five distinct ethnic groups in Amsterdam.
- To investigate socio-demographic and lifestyle factors associated with sedentary behavior in diverse populations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the HELIUS study, including accelerometry and questionnaires.
- Measured sedentary time as waking hours with <1.5 metabolic equivalents.
- Employed ANOVA, ANCOVA, and general linear models, adjusting for age and gender.
Main Results:
- No significant ethnic differences were found in sedentary time levels or correlates.
- Sedentary time averaged 9.5-10.3 hours/day across groups.
- Meeting physical activity guidelines inversely correlated with sedentary time; age positively correlated.
Conclusions:
- Objectively measured sedentary time and its correlates are comparable across Dutch, Moroccan, African Surinamese, South-Asian Surinamese, and Turkish ethnic groups in Amsterdam.
- Public health strategies should focus on promoting physical activity across all ethnic groups to mitigate sedentary behavior risks.
