Physical activity patterns among school children in India.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of physical activity and its relation with socio-demographic variables and eating habits among school-aged children in India.

METHODS

The study incorporated secondary analysis of anthropometric measurements and questionnaires on lifestyle and dietary habits of 1,680 school children aged between 3 and 11 y, obtained while carrying out the OBEY-AD project. The inventory contained questions about several variables concerning to physical activity, educational background, lifestyles and eating habits for both children and parents. Questions were organized along specific contents, which could be informative topics, picture choices and multiple answers choices.

RESULTS

Prevalence of inactivity was 21% and exhibited significant variations between cities. Physical activity was significantly associated to socio-economic status and consumption of fruits and vegetables. No association could be revealed with children's BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Health-promotion interventions aimed at improving healthy lifestyles in Indian children should focus on population strata with low socio-economic status.