Physical Activity, Fitness and the Energy Cost of Activities: Implications for Obesity in Children and Adolescents in the Tropics - Advances in Food and Nutrition Research - page 67

to spend more time in sitting activities ( > 5 h/weekday) compared to the boys
( < 50%). In addition, the PA level among females was found to be decreased
across the age groups (from childhood to adulthood).
In contrast to the above reported findings reported, Wang, Chia, Quek,
and Liu (2006) revealed that 60% of Singaporean children 10-14 years old
were physically active ( > 300 min/week of moderate activity or > 120 min/
week of vigorous activity) and only 19% of the children reported low or no
PA. High levels of PA were also found among the adolescents in several
studies conducted in Mozambique ( dos Santos et al., 2013; Nhantumbo,
Maia, Saranga, & Prista, 2008; Prista et al., 2009 ) , with girls achieving higher
levels of PA than boys. This finding can be explained by the social and eco-
nomic features in Mozambique, where adolescents spend most of their time
in subsistence activities (household chores, farming activities) and engaged in
outdoor games during their leisure time. A similar scenario was reported in
Senegal, where adolescents are generally more physically active ( B´n´fice
et al., 2001; B´n´fice & Ndiaye, 2005 ) .
3.4. Discussion
Overall, we found that the majority of the children and adolescents in the
tropics are engaged in sedentary behavior and that girls are less active com-
pared to boys. Although studies on the rising trends of sedentary lifestyles
among children and adolescents in the tropics are few and inconclusive,
available data clearly indicate that physical inactivity and sedentary behavior
are emerging as important public health issues that need urgent attention.
In this context, the sex difference is particularly important considering that
the tracking of PA has been shown to be stronger in female adolescents than
their male counterparts ( Azevedo et al., 2007 ) .
To plan and implement effective interventions to promote regular PA
among children and adolescents, a greater understanding of the determinants
associated with PA participation in these young populations is needed.
However, only a small amount of information is available regarding certain
parts of the tropical region. For example, in Malaysia, Dan et al. (2007)
reported that sex, self-confidence in performing PA, and peer influence
are the most significant contributors explaining PA among young adoles-
cents. This finding is somewhat similar to what has been found in Singapore
( Wang et al., 2006 ) and Thailand ( Wattanasit, 2009 ), whereby psychosocial
variables, such as peer influence and perceived physical competence, are sig-
nificant predictors for PA participation among children and adolescents.