[Evolution of sedentarism prevalence in Spanish population between 1987 and 2020]

Sedentary behavior is a predictive factor for numerous diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the evolution of the prevalence of sedentary behavior in the Spanish adult population between 1987 and 2020.

The data sources were the National and European Health Surveys. The prevalence of sedentary behavior was assessed in three scenarios (main activity, leisure time and all scenarios). Prevalence of sedentary behavior was estimated overall, by sex and age group. In all scenarios, prevalence was also estimated by Autonomous Community. The prevalence trend was analyzed with the annual percent change (APC) obtained through joinpoint models.

The prevalence of sedentary in the main activity ranged from 31.2% in 1987 to 38.4% in 2020 [PCA: 0.7 (0.5-1.0)], being higher in men than in women and higher in younger and older people. The prevalence of sedentary in the leisure time varied between 55.1% in 1993 and 36.4% in 2020 [PCA: -1.4 (-1.9 to -0.9)], being always higher in women, higher in those over 64 years of age and lower in those aged 16-24 years. Cantabria and the Canary Islands were the Autonomous Communities with the lowest prevalence of sedentary behavior in all scenarios.

The prevalence of sedentary behavior in the main activity is increasing in Spain, whereas during leisure time it is decreasing. It is important to implement prevention and health promotion measures aimed at reducing sedentary behavior in the population.