Page 30 - nhms2012 Perak

PERAK GSHS 2012 Results

3.7 Physical Activity

Introduction

Participating in adequate physical activity throughout the life span and maintaining normal weight
are the most e]ective ways of preventing many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease
and diabetes (53).The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing globally and now is occurring during
adolescence and childhood (54). Participating in adequate physical activity also helps build and
maintain healthy bones and muscles, control weight, reduce blood pressure, ensure a healthy blood
pro_le, reduce fat, and promote psychological wellbeing (55). It is estimated that about 60% of the
world's population is not get enough physical activity. Patterns of physical activity acquired during
childhood and adolescence are more likely to be maintained throughout the life span, thus sedentary
behaviour adopted at a young age is likely to persist (56).

Findings

The prevalence of being physically active in the past seven days was 13.3% (95% CI: 11.49-15.33) and
this was signi_cantly higher among males [17.7% 95% CI: 15.36- 20.36)] compared to females [8.9%
(95% CI: 6.60-11.79)] (Table 7.1). Overall, 20.6% (95% CI: 18.03- 23.33) had been physically active for
at least _ve days in the past seven days with signi_cantly more males [25.9% (95% CI: 24.01- 27.81)]
than females [15.3% (95% CI: 11.69-19.78)] with this level of activity (Table 7.1.1). About 57.3% (95%
CI: 47.08-66.99) of students did not walk or ride a bicycle to or from school in the past seven days
(Table 7.2). Overall, 49.5% (95% CI: 45.31- 53.65) had engaged in sedentary activities (Table 7.3.1).

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