Work

Factors Associated with Sedentary Behavior in Pregnant Women: Insights from Multiple Linear Regression and Random Forest Model

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose: High levels of sedentary behavior (sitting for more than 6 hours a day) during pregnancy are a public health concern. Understanding the prevalence, patterns, and associated factors of sedentary behavior is important to develop targeted interventions, yet contemporary evidence remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and patterns of sedentary behavior and identify its associated factors among pregnant women using the Systems of Sedentary Behavior framework. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Guangzhou, China, from October 2024 to April 2025. We recruited 655 pregnant women from a single tertiary hospital who completed the sedentary behavior subscale and physical activity subscale of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Pregnancy Discomforts Questionnaire, the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale, and a sociodemographic and obstetrics data sheet. Multiple linear regression and random forest models were conducted to explore the associated factors. Results: The prevalence of high sedentary behavior in pregnant women was 57.3%, with a mean sedentary time of 44.11 (27.71) hours per week. Occupational sedentary behavior consumed the most time. Both models identified household physical activity, pregnancy discomfort, access to destinations, occupation, and insurance as significant factors. Additionally, age and residence were specific to the multiple linear regression model, while income was unique to the random forest model. Conclusion: Healthcare providers should focus on younger, employed, high-income, and urban women who are at high risk for high sedentary behavior. Increasing household physical activity and alleviating pregnancy-related discomfort may be associated with less sedentary time, while improving access to exercise facilities and insurance coverage may also warrant consideration; however, these should be framed as potential targets requiring further prospective evaluation.

Source: International Journal of Women s Health

DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s640910

Authors: Lei Zeng, Rongrong Han, Jiayuan Ma, Lingling Gao

Institutions: Sun Yat-sen University, Anhui University, Macao Polytechnic University

Language: English

Topic: Physical Activity and Health

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,836