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Sep 19, 2007Article Details
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Main Article Content
Estimating the burden of disease attributable to physical inactivity in South Africa in 2000
Abstract
Objectives. To quantify the burden of disease attributable to
physical inactivity in persons 15 years or older, by age group
and sex, in South Africa for 2000.
Design. The global comparative risk assessment (CRA)
methodology of the World Health Organization was followed to
estimate the disease burden attributable to physical inactivity.
Levels of physical activity for South Africa were obtained
from the World Health Survey 2003. A theoretical minimum
risk exposure of zero, associated outcomes, relative risks, and
revised burden of disease estimates were used to calculate
population-attributable fractions and the burden attributed
to physical inactivity. Monte Carlo simulation-modelling
techniques were used for the uncertainty analysis.
Setting. South Africa.
Subjects. Adults ≥ 15 years.
Outcome measures. Deaths and disability-adjusted life years
(DALYs) from ischaemic heart disease, ischaemic stroke, breast
cancer, colon cancer, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Results. Overall in adults ≥ 15 years in 2000, 30% of ischaemic
heart disease, 27% of colon cancer, 22% of ischaemic stroke, 20%
of type 2 diabetes, and 17% of breast cancer were attributable
to physical inactivity. Physical inactivity was estimated to have
caused 17 037 (95% uncertainty interval 11 394 - 20 407), or 3.3%
(95% uncertainty interval 2.2 - 3.9%) of all deaths in 2000, and
176 252 (95% uncertainty interval 133 733 - 203 628) DALYs, or
1.1% (95% uncertainty interval 0.8 - 1.3%) of all DALYs in 2000.
Conclusions. Compared with other regions and the global
average, South African adults have a particularly high
prevalence of physical inactivity. In terms of attributable deaths,
physical inactivity ranked 9th compared with other risk factors,
and 12th in terms of DALYs. There is a clear need to assess
why South Africans are particularly inactive, and to ensure that
physical activity/inactivity is addressed as a national health
priority.
South African Medical Journal Vol. 97 (8) Part 2 2007: pp. 725-731
