Active commuting and leisure-time physical activity among adults in western Nepal: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with active commuting and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among adults in western Nepal.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Adults from semiurban areas in western Nepal.

Participants: 2815 adults aged 25-65 years who participated in the 'Community-Based Management of Hypertension in Nepal (COBIN)' Study. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the sociodemographic factors associated with active commuting and LTPA.

Outcome: Self-reported participation in active commuting and LTPA.

Results: Most study participants (96%) commuted actively (walked or cycled) from one place to another. Our results showed that only a small proportion (3.7%) of participants engaged in moderate or vigorous LTPA. Compared with those in paid employment, the odds of commuting actively were higher among people working in agriculture or as labourers (OR: 4.57, 95% CI: 2.46 to 8.48), those retired/unemployed (OR: 2.98, 95% CI: 1.42 to 6.25) and those in unpaid employment (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.06 to 3.22). Adults who were overweight or had obesity were less likely to commute actively. Compared with adults aged 25-34 years, older adults were less likely (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.72) to engage in LTPA. Women were 0.46 times less likely to engage in LTPA compared with men.

Conclusion: Most adults engaged in active commuting for work or travel. Less than 5% participated in any form of moderate or vigorous LTPA. Longitudinal studies incorporating objective assessment of physical activity and a range of individual, interpersonal, and environmental factors will help understand how to promote active commuting and LTPA among Nepalese adults.Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02428075.

Keywords: health services administration & management; hypertension; public health.