Factors associated with changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviour during one year among university-based young adults

The purpose of this study was to identify correlates of changes in physical activity(PA)and sedentary behaviour(SB)among university-based young adults in Bangladesh.Data were from a 1-year prospective study with 2 assessment points(baseline n=573,20.7±1.35 years,45%female;retention rate 69%,analytical sample=395).Participants completed a self-administered written survey on PA,SB,health and lifestyle be-haviours,and sociodemographics.Changes in PA were categorised as:negligible(±<60 min/week),>60 min/week decrease,or>60 min/week increase.Changes in SB were categorised as negligible(±<120 min/week),>120 min/week decrease,and>120 min/week increase.Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to identify the correlates.About quarters(72%)of participants had insufficient PA at both assessment points.Of those who were sufficiently active at Wave 1,5%became insufficiently active at Wave 2.One quarter of par-ticipants(23%)had high SB at Wave 1 and Wave 2.Of those who had low SB at Wave 1,16%had high SB at Wave 2.Being male[OR=2.04(95%CI:1.06–3.93)],baseline phone time of>2 h/day[OR=3.14(95%CI:1.04–7.04)]and not participating in organised sports at baseline[OR=2.56(95%CI:1.24–5.29)]were associated with a decrease in PA by>60 min/week.Participants who frequently experienced stress at baseline had higher odds of increasing SB by>120 min/day[OR=1.83(95%CI:1.04–3.23)].SB is more variable than PA over 1 year in university-based young adults in Bangladesh.Males,those with high phone time,those not engaging with organised sports,and those with frequent stress may change to a more inactive lifestyle.