Prolonged sitting in cars: Prevalence, socio-demographic variations, and trends

BackgroundProlonged sitting is detrimentally associated with health outcomes. However, the prevalence and characteristics of those who sit in cars for long periods are not well understood. This study examined the population prevalence, socio-demographic variations, and trends for prolonged sitting in cars among adults.MethodsUsing the Sydney Greater Metropolitan Area Household Travel Survey, the prevalence of prolonged sitting time in cars (≥ 2 h/day) was calculated for four 3-year periods (1997–99, 2000–02, 2003–05, and 2006–08) for each population subgroup. Trends were calculated as the mean change in prevalence between adjacent survey periods.ResultsCars were used for 66% of the total trips recorded (n = 336,505). The prevalence of prolonged sitting time in cars was 16–18% in men, and 10–12% in women. Relatively higher prevalence rates were found among middle-age groups (men: 20–22%, women: 12–15%), full-time workers (men: 21–24%, women: 14–15%), those with higher income (men: 21–25%, women: 14–16%), couples with children (men: 20–21%, women: 12–14%), and those living in outer suburbs (men: 20–23%, women: 12–13%). Trends were stable in men, but increasing in women. Several subgroups (older age; living in regional suburbs) also showed increasing trends.ConclusionsThese findings provide evidence to inform integrated approaches to measurement and policy development on prolonged car use among the public health, urban planning, and transport sectors.

► Prevalence of prolonged sitting in cars (2 h/day or more) was 16–18% in men.
► Prevalence of the same behavior was 10–12% in women.
► Working adults in outer suburbs were more likely to spend prolonged time in cars.
► Trends were stable in men, but increasing in women.