serval:BIB_F0919D27E961
Regional sociocultural differences as important correlate of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in Swiss preschool children.
10.4414/smw.2016.14377
27878789
Leeger-Aschmann
C.S.
author
Schmutz
E.A.
author
Radtke
T.
author
Kakebeeke
T.H.
author
Zysset
A.E.
author
Messerli-Bürgy
N.
author
Stülb
K.
author
Arhab
A.
author
Meyer
A.H.
author
Munsch
S.
author
Jenni
O.G.
author
Puder
J.J.
author
Kriemler
S.
author
article
2016
Swiss medical weekly
1424-3997
0036-7672
journal
146
w14377
Regional differences in physical activity in school-aged children and adults even within one country with the same political and health care system have been observed and could not be explained by sociodemographic or individual variables. We analysed whether such differences were already present in preschool children.
Swiss children from 84 childcare centres in five cantons (Aargau, Bern, Fribourg, Vaud, Zurich) comprising about 50% of the population of the country participated. Physical activity was quantified with accelerometers (ActiGraph, wGT3X-BT) and potential correlates were assessed with measurements at the childcare centre or questionnaires. Mixed regression models were used to test associations between potential correlates of total physical activity (TPA), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA) or sedentary behaviour with a special focus on regional differences.
394 of 476 children (83%) provided valid physical activity data (at least 2 weekdays and 1 weekend day with 10 h recording; mean age 3.9 ± 0.7 years, 54% boys) with 26% and 74% living in the French- and German-speaking parts of Switzerland, respectively. Days consisted of (mean ± standard deviation) 1.5 ± 0.5 h MVPA, 5.0 ± 0.6 h LPA, and 6.3 ± 0.8 h sedentary behaviour with an average of 624 ± 150 counts/min TPA. TPA and MVPA (but not sedentary behaviour or LPA) increased with age, were higher in boys and children with better motor skills. Despite controlling for individual characteristics, familial factors and childcare exposure, children from the French-speaking part of Switzerland showed 13% less TPA, 14% less MVPA, 6% less LPA and 8% more sedentary behaviour than German-speaking children.
Beside motor skills and non-modifiable individual factors, the regional sociocultural difference was the most important correlate of phyical activity and sedentary behaviour. Therefore, regionally adapted public health strategies may be needed.
eng
60_published
true
peer-reviewed
Publication types: Journal Article
Publication Status: epublish
University of Lausanne
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