Perceived Resources in Urban Environment and Sedentary Lifestyle in Four Asia Countries

Modernization, urbanization, and western lifestyle contribute to the prevalence of sedentary lifestyle in Asia. However, few researches on how urban environment contribute to sedentary lifestyle were found. The aim of this study is to examine how urban residents perceive the extent of resources for exercise in urban environment is associated with their likelihood of having a sedentary lifestyle across four Asian countries (China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan). Data from the East Asia Social Survey (EASS) 2010 Health Module was used. The results show that China and South Korea, perceived resources for exercise in urban environments is associated with the prevalence of sedentary lifestyle. The association between perceived environment and sedentary lifestyle is particularly strong with South Korea. Further examination of age and gender-specific, education level and employment status specific association between perceived resources of urban environment and sedentary lifestyle is needed.