Prevalence and Patterns of Physical Activity amongst Adolescents of South-East Delhi, India: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Introduction: Lack of physical inactivity amongst adolescents is a growing global concern, adding to the burden of non-communicable diseases and poor overall health. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of physical activity amongst adolescents. Subjects and Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 300 adolescents in South-East Delhi, India selected using simple random sampling. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess activity levels. Results: The mean age of participants was 14.1 years. Half of the participants (50.3%) were adequately active, with higher levels in younger age groups and school-going individuals. Most were engaged in moderate-intensity school-based activities (60.3%), and 59.0% used active transportation. Conclusions: Adequate physical activity was more common amongst adolescents involved in school-based activities and active commuting. Integrating structured physical activity sessions into the daily school curriculum can significantly enhance activity levels.