Term: Sedentary Activities - (CCHS Survey Data)

Printer friendly

Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2011-10-24

Definition:

Activities that require a person to sit or stand for an extended period of time (e.g., watching television or movies, playing video games, reading, working at a computer). Leading a sedentary lifestyle, without regularly engaging in physical activity, can contribute to obesity and be a risk factor for other health concerns.

In the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), the estimated total number of hours engaged in sedentary activities in a typical week is a derived variable based on participants' responses to questions about their activities outside of school or work in the past 3 months. Participants were asked questions such as, "In a typical week in the past 3 months, how much time did you usually spend watching television or videos?"

Related terms 

• Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS)

References 

• Fransoo R, Martens P, Prior H, Chateau D, McDougall C, Schultz J, McGowan K, Soodeen R, Bailly A. Adult Obesity in Manitoba: Prevalence, Associations, and Outcomes. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2011. [Report] [Summary] (View)