Sedentary behaviour and its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors across socio-economic strata: a community-based study from urban India

Abstract

Objective: Sedentary behavior (SB) is a modifiable determinant of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, yet its patterning across socio-economic groups remains underexplored. This study investigated the association between sedentary time and cardiovascular risk indicators among adults representing diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged 20–50 years using convenience sampling across diverse socio-economic groups. Data on socio-demographics, sedentary habits, dietary behaviors, and CVD risk indicators were collected through structured interviews. Correlation analyses and multiple linear regression models were used to identify predictors of CVD risk. Results: High sedentary time (> 8 h/day) was significantly associated with alcohol consumption (p = 0.001) and a history of elevated cholesterol (p = 0.041). Sedentary behavior correlated positively with socio-economic status (r = 0.723, p < 0.01) and negatively with age (r = − 0.231, p < 0.01). Regression analyses showed that smoking (β = 0.214, p = 0.015), alcohol intake (β = 0.301, p < 0.001), processed food consumption (β = 0.389, p < 0.001), high salt use (β = 0.276, p = 0.004), and frequent eating out (β = 0.251, p = 0.006) were significant independent predictors of higher CVD risk scores. Sedentary time, although associated with several lifestyle factors, was not an independent predictor of overall CVD risk after adjustment. Conclusion: Sedentary behavior is strongly patterned by socio-economic status and clusters with multiple behavioral and clinical CVD risk factors. Targeted interventions addressing sedentary lifestyles alongside co-occurring risk behaviors are essential to reduce CVD burden.