Physical Inactivity in the Baltic Countries

Background. Physical inactivity is a known risk factor for heart disease and obesity, two major health problems in the Baltic Republics. This study examined patterns of physical activity level in these countries, and correlates of leisure-time sedentary behavior. Methods. Data from three national su...

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Published inPreventive medicine Vol. 31; no. 6; pp. 665 - 672
Main Authors Pomerleau, Joceline, McKee, Martin, Robertson, Aileen, Vaasc, Sirje, Kadziauskiene, Kamelija, Abaravicius, Algis, Bartkeviciute, Roma, Pudule, Iveta, Grinberga, Daiga
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States Elsevier Inc 01.12.2000
Subjects
Adolescent
Adult
Age Distribution
alcohol
diet
Estonia
Estonia - epidemiology
Exercise
Female
Health Behavior
Health Surveys
Humans
Latvia
Latvia - epidemiology
Life Style
Lithuania
Lithuania - epidemiology
Male
Middle Aged
Probability
Risk Assessment
Risk Factors
Sex Distribution
smoking
Lithuania
Latvia
Estonia
alcohol
Latvia
smoking
exercise
diet
Lithuania
Estonia
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Summary:Background. Physical inactivity is a known risk factor for heart disease and obesity, two major health problems in the Baltic Republics. This study examined patterns of physical activity level in these countries, and correlates of leisure-time sedentary behavior. Methods. Data from three national surveys of adults conducted in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in 1997 were used. Respondents who provided information on their activity level were included in this study (Estonia: n = 2,018; Latvia: n = 2,303; Lithuania: n = 2,140). Results. One in three Estonians and one in five Latvians and Lithuanians had a low physical activity level at work. Half the respondents (Lithuania: 60%, Latvia: 52%, Estonia: 43%) participated only in sedentary activities during their leisure time. Leisure-time sedentarity was inversely related to education level in men and women and with income in men. It was also associated with smoking in men and with inadequate vegetable intake in men and women. Conclusions. Sedentary behavior during leisure time should be a public health issue in the Baltic Republics. Health promotion strategies aiming at increasing leisure-time physical activity level will need to target the general population, but particularly individuals from lower socioeconomic strata.
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ISSN:0091-7435
1096-0260
DOI:10.1006/pmed.2000.0761