Descriptive epidemiology of adolescents’ active travel to school in 31 Asian countries

Oral Presentation B2.3

Authors

  • Rizka Maulida University of Cambridge
  • Erika Ikeda University of Cambridge
  • Tolullah Oni University of Cambridge
  • Esther van Sluijs University of Cambridge

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.488

Keywords:

Active Travel, Adolescent, Asia

Abstract

Background: Rapid urbanization and dynamically changing built environments in Asia pose a challenge for their active travel to school (ATS). Little is known about prevalence of ATS in Asia. Purpose: To describe the epidemiology of adolescents’ ATS in Asia. Methods: This cross-sectional study used Global School-based student Health Survey (GSHS) data from 154,920 13-17-year-old adolescents in 31 Asian countries. Country-specific weighted percentages of self-reported ATS (0 vs. 1-7 days) were calculated, and associations of ATS with age, sex and weight category were analysed using logistic regressions. Subsequently, summary prevalence and estimates were calculated using random-effects meta-analyses. Results: Prevalence of ATS was 55%, ranging from 18% (United Arab Emirates) to 84% (Myanmar). There was limited sub-regional variation: 47% in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), 56% in South East Asia Region (SEAR), and 64% in the Western Pacific Region. Being an older adolescent (OR=1.08, 95%CI=1.00-1.16) was positively associated with ATS. This association was strongest in EMR countries. Females (0.79, 0.71-0.89) and adolescents with overweight/obesity (0.92, 0.86-0.99) were less likely to use ATS. Association with sex was strongest in EMR countries and slightly less in SEAR countries. Overall heterogeneity was considerable in all three meta-analyses. Conclusions: Prevalence of adolescent ATS in Asia varies substantially. Overall, older and male adolescents, and adolescents with normal and below normal weight category are more likely to actively travel to school. However, the main contributor to the between-country variation remains unknown. Funding: Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Indonesia.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Maulida, R., Ikeda, E., Oni, T., & van Sluijs, E. (2021). Descriptive epidemiology of adolescents’ active travel to school in 31 Asian countries: Oral Presentation B2.3. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.488