Citation

Jean Adams. Prev. Med. 2010; 50(4): 199-203.

Affiliation

Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ypmed.2010.01.006

PMID

20093137

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe prevalence, and socio-demographic correlates, of active transport participation amongst UK adults. METHODS: Data was from the 2005 UK Time Use Survey. Active transport was defined as any walking, jogging or pedal biking for purposes other than enjoyment. Socio-demographic correlates of any active transport participation, meeting current UK guidelines for sufficient activity through active transport, and time spent on active transport, if any, were explored. RESULTS: 4941 individuals took part in the survey and data from 80% were included in the analyses. 28% of respondents reported any active transport and 19% were sufficiently activity through active transport. Median time spent in active transport, if any, was 40 minutes per day (inter-quartile range 20 - 60 minutes). Active transport participation was greater in younger people and those without access to a car or van. Being sufficiently active through active transport was additionally associated with being unemployed, being in a less affluent social class, and leaving full time education at an older age. CONCLUSIONS: There is scope for increasing active transport participation in the UK. That more than two-thirds of those who report any active transport are sufficiently activity through active transport alone may be a useful health promotion message.

Language: en