Sex-Specific Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Patterns in French Adults

Both physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior impact health, and defining combined patterns will help design targeted interventions and policies. There are marked differences between sexes in PA level. This work aimed to define sex-specific behavioral patterns combining leisure-time PA and sedentary behavior and to assess their relations with sociodemographic factors and obesity in a population-based national survey.

Data were collected in 2014-2016 from a representative sample of French adults (Esteban cross-sectional study) using the Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire. In 1491 women and 1157 men, behavioral clusters were identified using multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical classification on most frequently performed leisure-time PA and screen time.

Three clusters were identified in each sex. In women, cluster 1 (61.7%) included physically inactive individuals with high screen time. It was associated with lower education level (odds ratio [OR] = 1.6) and higher likelihood of obesity (OR = 2.4). Clusters 2 (22.2%) and 3 (16.1%) included women performing multiple PA of high or low duration, respectively. In men, cluster 1 (39.9%) included individuals with low PA level and high screen time. It was associated with younger age (OR = 3,9), obesity (OR = 2.5), single life (OR = 0.3), and urban residence (OR = 0.5). Cluster 2 (43.1%) included men performing mainly walking, cycling, DIY, and gardening and cluster 3 (17.0%) men with multiple PAs, both with low screen time.

In both sexes, the pattern including inactivity or low PA and high sedentary behavior was associated with obesity. Other patterns differed according to sex. The findings can guide targeted interventions to promote healthy behaviors, considering sex differences.