International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Volume 8, 2011

Are Australian immigrants at a risk of being physically inactive? (Article) (Open Access)

Dassanayake J. , Dharmage S.C. , Gurrin L. , Sundararajan V. , Payne W.R.*
  • a Center for Molecular Environment, Genetic and Analytical Epidemiology, The University of Melbourne, Australia, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living, Victoria University, Australia, Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Canada
  • b Center for Molecular Environment, Genetic and Analytical Epidemiology, The University of Melbourne, Australia
  • c Center for Molecular Environment, Genetic and Analytical Epidemiology, The University of Melbourne, Australia
  • d Department of Medicine, Southern Clinical School, Monash University, Australia
  • e Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living, Victoria University, Australia

Abstract

Background: We examined whether physical activity risk differed between migrant sub-groups and the Australian-born population.Methods: Data were drawn from the Australian National Health Survey (2001) and each resident's country of birth was classified into one of 13 regions. Data were gathered on each resident's physical activity level in the fortnight preceding the survey. Multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for potential confounders examined the risk of physical inactivity of participants from each of the 13 regions compared to the Australian-born population.Results: There was a greater prevalence of physical inactivity for female immigrants from most regions compared to male immigrants from a like region. Immigrants from South East Asia (OR 2.04% 95% CI 1.63, 2.56), Other Asia (OR 1.53 95% CI 1.10, 2.13), Other Oceania (1.81 95% CI 1.11, 2.95), the Middle East (OR 1.42 95% CI 0.97, 2.06 [note: border line significance]) and Southern & Eastern Europe are at a significantly higher risk of being physically inactive compared to those born in Australian. In contrast, immigrants from New Zealand (OR 0.77 95% CI 0.62, 0.94), the UK & Ireland (OR 0.82 95% CI 0.73, 0.92), and other Africa (OR 0.69 95% CI 0.51, 0.94) are at a significantly lower risk of being physically inactive compared to the Australian born population.Conclusion: Future research identifying potential barriers and facilitators to participation in physical activity will inform culturally sensitive physical activity programs that aim to encourage members of specific regional ethnic sub-groups to undertake physical activity. © 2011 Dassanayake et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

information processing physical activity immigrant Europe, Eastern Asian Australia Europe multivariate logistic regression analysis risk human risk assessment Self Report Immobilization Asia Middle East Odds Ratio birthplace controlled study statistics comparative study Asian continental ancestry group Eastern Europe Logistic Models Great Britain ethnology resident Cross-Sectional Studies interview population risk cross-sectional study Humans Ireland Interviews as Topic male Emigrants and Immigrants female Southeast Asia risk factor Multivariate Analysis Risk Factors Africa Pacific islands prevalence Article Southern Europe migration New Zealand United Kingdom Sedentary Lifestyle Motor Activity normal human statistical model Data Collection health survey
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79957655118&doi=10.1186%2f1479-5868-8-53&partnerID=40&md5=147da348aee76fa7878ba962ba656b12
DOI: 10.1186/1479-5868-8-53
ISSN: 14795868
Cited by: 8
Original Language: English