Health comparisons between active and inactive transport modes in urban adults with chronic conditions: A cross-sectional study

Nurs Health Sci. 2023 Sep;25(3):323-331. doi: 10.1111/nhs.13028. Epub 2023 Jun 19.

Abstract

An active transport mode provides an opportunity for integrating physical activity into one's daily life through walking, cycling, and the use of public transportation. The purpose of this study was to compare urban adults with chronic conditions who used active and inactive transport modes and to find differences in their health outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2019 to May 2020. Participants were urban adults who self-reported being overweight or obese, or having a diagnosis of chronic disease. Anonymous structured self-reported questionnaires were used for data collection, including the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Form, and the frequency of eight modes of transportation. According to differences between the frequency score of weekly active and inactive transportation, participants were categorized into inactive, balanced, and active transport modes. In total, 617 valid responses were obtained. Participants who engaged in an active transport mode were found to have significantly less sedentary time, and better comprehensive, social, and environmental aspects of quality of life than those with an inactive transport mode. Engaging in active transportation and avoiding inactive transportation are recommended for urban adults with chronic diseases.

Keywords: chronic disease; quality of life; sedentary; transportation; walking.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Adult
  • Bicycling*
  • Chronic Disease*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life
  • Sedentary Behavior*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Transportation*
  • Urban Population
  • Walking*