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Physical inactivity, gender and culture in Arab countries: a systematic assessment of the literature.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Physical inactivity is associated with excess weight and adverse health outcomes. We synthesize the evidence on physical inactivity and its social determinants in Arab countries, with special attention to gender and cultural context. METHODS:We searched MEDLINE, Popline, and SSCI for articles published between 2000 and 2016, assessing the prevalence of physical inactivity and its social determinants. We also included national survey reports on physical activity, and searched for analyses of the social context of physical activity. RESULTS:We found 172 articles meeting inclusion criteria. Standardized data are available from surveys by the World Health Organization for almost all countries, but journal articles show great variability in definitions, measurements and methodology. Prevalence of inactivity among adults and children/adolescents is high across countries, and is higher among women. Some determinants of physical inactivity in the region (age, gender, low education) are shared with other regions, but specific aspects of the cultural context of the region seem particularly discouraging of physical activity. We draw on social science studies to gain insights into why this is so. CONCLUSIONS:Physical inactivity among Arab adults and children/adolescents is high. Studies using harmonized approaches, rigorous analytic techniques and a deeper examination of context are needed to design appropriate interventions.

SUBMITTER: Sharara E

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5960209 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Physical inactivity, gender and culture in Arab countries: a systematic assessment of the literature.

Sharara Eman E Akik Chaza C Ghattas Hala H Makhlouf Obermeyer Carla C

BMC public health 20180518 1

<h4>Background</h4>Physical inactivity is associated with excess weight and adverse health outcomes. We synthesize the evidence on physical inactivity and its social determinants in Arab countries, with special attention to gender and cultural context.<h4>Methods</h4>We searched MEDLINE, Popline, and SSCI for articles published between 2000 and 2016, assessing the prevalence of physical inactivity and its social determinants. We also included national survey reports on physical activity, and sea ...[more]

PMID: 29776343

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Project description:PurposeReduced physical activity in many chronic diseases is consistently associated with increased morbidity. Little is known about physical activity in sarcoidosis. The aim of this study was to objectively assess physical activity in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and investigate its relationship with lung function, exercise capacity, symptom burden, and health status.MethodsPhysical activity was assessed over one week in 15 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and 14 age-matched healthy controls with a tri-axial accelerometer (ActivPal™) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). All participants underwent pulmonary function tests, 6-min walk test (6MWT) and completed the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), Medical Research Council (MRC) Dyspnoea Scale and the King's Sarcoidosis Questionnaire (KSQ).ResultsPatients with sarcoidosis had significantly lower daily step counts than healthy controls; mean (SD) 5624 (1875) versus 10,429 (2942) steps (p?<?0.01) and a trend towards fewer sit-to-stand transitions each day (p?=?0.095). Only two patients (13%) self-reported undertaking vigorous physical activity (IPAQ) compared to half of healthy individuals (p?<?0.01). Daily step count was significantly associated with 6MWT distance in sarcoidosis (r?=?0.634, p?=?0.01), but not with forced vital capacity (r?=?0.290), fatigue (r?=?0.041), dyspnoea (r?=?-0.466) or KSQ health status (r?=?0.099-0.484). Time spent upright was associated with fatigue (r?=?-0.630, p?=?0.012) and health status (KSQ Lung scores r?=?0.524, p?=?0.045), and there was a significant correlation between the number of sit-to-stand transitions and MRC dyspnoea score (r?=?-0.527, p?=?0.044).ConclusionPhysical activity is significantly reduced in sarcoidosis and is associated with reduced functional exercise capacity (6MWD). Fatigue, exertional symptoms and health status were more closely associated with time spent upright and the number of bouts of physical activity, as compared to step counts. Further studies are warranted to identify the factors that determine different physical activity profiles in sarcoidosis.

Dataset Information

Physical inactivity, gender and culture in Arab countries: a systematic assessment of the literature.

Publications

Physical inactivity, gender and culture in Arab countries: a systematic assessment of the literature.

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