Travel behaviour, active travel and its relationship to physical activity among Sri Lankan adults
Abstract
Background:Although the benefits of active living are clear , many people do not engage in sufficient PA. Having supportive public policy that support active transportation is a method that could encourage more PA among... [ view full abstract ]
Background:Although the benefits of active living are clear , many people do not engage in sufficient PA. Having supportive public policy that support active transportation is a method that could encourage more PA among populations.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the travel behaviour and the contribution from active travel and its relationship with meeting recommended levels of activity among Sri Lankan adults in the district of Colombo.
Methods: This study was carried out among a sample of 1320 adults. The pattern of PA was assessed using the long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) validated for Sri Lanka. Travel related behaviour was assessed using an interviewer administered questionnaire.
Results: Majority travelled at least 10 minutes a day to go from place to place. The median travel time was 80 minutes a day (IQR =40-120). Median minutes of both walking and cycling (active transportation) were 30 minutes/day. Among those travelling for a job/studies, active transportation was used by 13.5%. The median time for travelling for day to day activities was 30 minutes a day (IQR=20-60 min). Twenty percent walked for day to day travel. Active transport was used for day to day needs by 23.7% of the study sample. When the total amount of physical activity was assessed with travel behaviour to the job, the mode of travel showed a significant relationship with the level of PA (p<0.01). The percentage belonging to the sufficient activity group was highest among those using active transportation when compared to those using motorised transport.
Conclusions and recommendations : Sri Lankan adults on average, recorded about one and a half hours of travel per day of which only one third was using an active mode of transport. Using active transportation were significantly associated with achieving recommended amounts of PA.
Authors
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shreenika De silva Weliange
(University of Colombo)
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Dulitha Fernando
(University of Colombo)
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Jagath Gunatilake
(University of Peradeniya)
Topic Areas
I. Research Collaborations 1.1 Scientific collaborations in geography and urban health 1.2 , I. Urbanization AND Health: what interactions? 1.1 New paradigms, concepts, methods, and t , II. Urban Health at the intersection of urban environment, social determinants and places , IV. Urbanism, Health and Wellbeing 4.1 Built environment 4.2 Pollution: air, noise, etc , VII. Urban health policies 7.1 Governance and policy frameworks 7.2 Health in all policies
Session
UH-BE-O-03 » Urban Health - Behaviors - 03 (14:00 - Saturday, 2nd April, TBA)
Paper
TRavel_-ICUH_2016-_submission.docx
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