The factors related to a sedentary lifestyle: A meta-analysis review

Aims: To compare factors associated with the sedentary lifestyle described in the literature with the factors listed in NANDA International.

Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis of factors associated with a sedentary lifestyle in adolescents, adults and older people.

Data sources: An electronic search of PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL and Latin America and the Caribbean Literature on Health and Science databases conducted in May 2016.

Review methods: Descriptive data were extracted according to a standardized form. The odds ratios for each etiological factor associated with a sedentary lifestyle were extracted directly from the articles or calculated from the data described therein. The meta-analysis was conducted for factors that were investigated in more than one study.

Results: Thirty-five articles were included. The statistically significant factors were: lack of social support, of physical space, of time, of motivation, of sports skills and of interest in physical activity, intolerance to activity, being retired, living in a low-income country, laziness, not having a job/studying, low socioeconomic status and level of knowledge about physical activity, female gender, living in an urban area, negative self-perception of health, using public transportation, being in the oldest age group in the study and perceived physical disability.

Conclusion: The new factors associated with a sedentary lifestyle and those already included in the NANDA International classification will lead to better clinical guidance for nurses.

Impact: Knowledge about these factors can contribute directly to public health policies.