Association of environment factors and sedentary behavior among residents of semi urban area of Nepal

Background: Approximately one out of every four adults worldwide fails to meet the physical activity standards recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Inadequate physical activity stands as the fourth-leading risk factor, accounting for 9% of premature deaths globally. A sedentary lifestyle amplifies the risk of all-cause mortality and various ailments such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cancer.

Purpose: This study aims to assess physical environment for physical activity and its association with sedentary behavior

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken among teachers from semi-urban areas in Nepal, spanning from November 2018 to April 2019.

Results: Approximately 83% of participants reported access to areas suitable for leisurely walks, while 65% claimed to have home facilities for engaging in physical activity. The average daily sedentary time among participants was 158.74 minutes. Notably, 44.4% of participants exceeded this average. The mean (SD) screen time was 2.37 (1.78) hours per day, with over 41% of participants surpassing 2 hours of screen time. The presence of conducive physical activity environments at home or in the neighborhood resulted in a difference in mean sedentary time, though statistically not significant.

Conclusions: A favorable physical environment at home or in the neighborhood has a positive effect on reducing sedentary time among teachers in semi-urban areas of Nepal. There is a need for further exploration and promotion of a physical activity environment aimed at reducing sedentary behavior.

Practical Implications: The insights garnered from this study can serve as evidence for advocating the promotion of environments conducive to physical activity in Nepal and similar contexts.

Funding: This study received no external funding.