Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of all domains of physical activity in Brazilian adults

Sociodemographic Factors Related to Perceived Physical Activity on Chilean Adults after COVID-19 Pandemic

The current study aimed to examine the relationship between sociodemographic variables (i.e., sex, age, marital status, educational level, socioeconomic status, and working mode) and physical activity levels declared by Chilean adults. The sample comprised 483 Chilean adults, 159 men (32.9%) and 324 women (67.1%) aged from 18 to 69 years old (36.5 ± 12.0). The participants completed an ad hoc sociodemographic online survey between December 2022 and March 2023 that included questions about characteristics of participants such as sex, age, educational level, household income, marital status, and working mode. Vigorous, moderate, and walking activities were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), a self-administered questionnaire. Men declared significantly higher vigorous and moderated physical activity than women. People aged 18 to 25, single or unmarried, and with the lowest household income, showed significantly higher scores in vigorous physical activity than those aged 26 to 45, cohabiting with a partner or married, and middle household income, respectively. Regarding working mode, people working at their job site said walking more than people not working, working in a hybrid mode, and working online. Our findings suggest that promoting strategies that increase physical activity during the pandemic is necessary to avoid health problems.

Correlates and determinants of transport-related physical activity among adults: an interdisciplinary systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Transport-related physical activity (TRPA) has been identified as a way to increase physical activity due to its discretionary and habitual nature. Factors thought to influence TRPA span multiple disciplines and are rarely systematically considered in unison. This systematic review aimed to identify cross-sectional and longitudinal factors associated with adult TRPA across multiple research disciplines.

METHODS

Using four electronic databases, a systematic search of English, peer-reviewed literature from 2010 - 2020 was performed. Studies quantitatively examining factors associated with the outcome of adult TRPA were eligible.

RESULTS

Seventy-three studies (n = 66 cross-sectional; n = 7 longitudinal) were included, cumulatively reporting data from 1,278,632 observations. Thirty-six factors were examined for potential association with TRPA and presented in a social-ecological framework: individual (n = 15), social (n = 3), and environmental (n = 18). Seven factors were found to be consistently associated with higher adult TRPA: lower socio-economic status, higher self-efficacy, higher social normalization, lower distance of travel, higher destination concentration, more streetlighting, and higher public transportation frequency with a greater number of terminals near route start and endpoints.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first comprehensive compilation of the correlates and determinants of adult TRPA. Seven individual, social, and environmental factors demonstrated consistent associations with TRPA. Models formed using these factors may facilitate more effective promotion of TRPA. There is a lack of longitudinal studies as well as studies assessing cognitive/attitudinal and social factors, highlighting gaps for further research. Those developing policies and strategies targeting TRPA need to consider a range of factors at the individual, social, and environmental level to maximise the likelihood of effectiveness.

Active commuting among workers in the Southern of Brazil: a comparative analysis between 2006 and 2016

This article aims to compare the prevalence of active commuting to work in adults in the Southern region of Brazil between 2006 and 2016 according to sociodemographic and labor characteristics. The data from the Brazilian System for the Surveillance of Risk and Protection Factors for Chronic Diseases - VIGITEL were compared in 2006 and 2016 (≥18 years). Active commuting to work, sex, age group, education and job characteristics were collected by telephone survey and transportation in the cities of Florianópolis, Curitiba and Porto Alegre, using absolute and relative frequencies with their respective 95% confidence intervals. Active commuting increased significantly in 2016 compared to 2006. Florianópolis had the highest prevalence in the two years analyzed. In all capitals, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of the outcome, mainly for women, with secondary education and only in Florianópolis for men, with low schooling. The prevalence has also increased for job characteristics in all capitals. Active commuting to work increased significantly among adults living in southern Brazil, with emphasis on Florianópolis. Expanding interventions in this context is a necessity in Brazil.

Physical activity and socio-economic status of single and married urban adults: a cross-sectional study

Background

Changing family models have resulted in a large increase in the number of single-person households. This phenomenon has certain implications for society and the economy as single people often exhibit different behaviours, including their engagement in health-related physical activity, than those who are married and living with partners. However, the results of studies on determinants of physical activity in people of different marital status have been inconclusive. The aim of this study was to identify associations between physical activity and socioeconomic status in single and married urban adults.

Methods

The study material consisted of 4,460 persons (1,828 single and 2,632 married and living with partners). A cross-sectional study was conducted in Wroclaw (Poland). A diagnostic survey-direct interview method was used. Two research tools were applied: the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Socioeconomic Status Questionnaire (S-ESQ). The level of respondents’ physical activity was assessed following WHO recommendations. The descriptive statistics included the number and frequency of categories of dependent and independent variables as well as measures of association between them, i.e., crude and adjusted odds ratios.

Results

The odds ratio of meeting the WHO physical activity recommendations was almost 70% higher in single than in married respondents (OR = 1.67; CI [1.46–2.19]), and slightly more than 40% higher after adjusting for sex, age and education (aOR = 1.42; CI [1.21–1.67]). In both groups socioeconomic the respondents’ status revealed a significant and slightly different association with their levels of physical activity. Occupational status and financial savings significantly affected the level of physical activity in single respondents, while net disposable income was a significant modifier of physical activity levels in respondents who were married or lived with their partners.

Conclusions

Assessment of the levels and determinants of physical activity among people of different marital status should be continued and extended to other subpopulations. This will allow effective preventive and therapeutic measures to be taken for groups most at risk of hypokinesia. Programs aimed at improving physical activity accounting for the socioeconomic status and marital status of their beneficiaries are particularly important.

Physical Activity Clusters and Income Inequality in Brazilian Adults

Background: Income is an important determinant of physical activity (PA) when analyzed in its different domains. Sociodemographic characteristics such as sex, age, education, and marital status reveal distinct population profiles when PA domains are analyzed in isolation. This study aimed to describe clusters of PA in domains within income inequalities and to investigate the associated sociodemographic characteristics of Brazilian adults. Methods: A secondary analysis of the National Health Survey was performed (N = 50,176). PA, sociodemographic characteristics, and family income were investigated. Low- (n = 9504) and high-income adults (n = 6330) were analyzed. Two-step cluster and Rao–Scott chi-square tests were employed. Results: High-income adults accumulated 1.06 times more PA in leisure time compared with low-income adults. Of the 3 clusters observed, the inactive cluster was more prevalent (low-income group: 65.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 64.1–67.5; high-income group: 84.5%; 95% CI, 82.9–86.0). Work/leisure activities (21.2%; 95% CI, 19.8–22.8) and commuting/household activities (12.9%; 95% CI, 11.8–14.1) characterized low-income adults. Work/household activities (10.9%; 95% CI, 9.6–12.3) and commuting/leisure activities (4.6%, 95% CI, 3.9–5.4) characterized high-income adults. Sex (P < .001), age (P < .001), and marital status (P = .0023) were associated with low-income clusters. Conclusion: PA clustering differs within income inequalities. PA in leisure differentiates the opportunities in low- and high-income groups, but it is representative of a very small portion of the wealth.

Intensive care inequity in Rio de Janeiro: the effect of spatial distribution of health services on severe acute respiratory infection

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the distribution of adult intensive care units according to geographic region and health sector in Rio de Janeiro and to investigate severe acute respiratory infection mortality in the public sector and its association with critical care capacity in the public sector.

METHODS

We evaluated the variation in intensive care availability and severe acute respiratory infection mortality in the public sector across different areas of the city in 2014. We utilized databases from the National Registry of Health Establishments, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, the National Mortality Information System and the Hospital Admission Information System.

RESULTS

There is a wide range of intensive care unit beds per capita (from 4.0 intensive care unit beds per 100,000 people in public hospitals in the West Zone to 133.6 intensive care unit beds per 100,000 people in private hospitals in the Center Zone) in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The private sector accounts for almost 75% of the intensive care unit bed supply. The more developed areas of the city concentrate most of the intensive care unit services. Map-based spatial analysis shows a lack of intensive care unit beds in vast territorial extensions in the less developed regions of the city. There is an inverse correlation (r = -0.829; 95%CI -0.946 to -0.675) between public intensive care unit beds per capita in different health planning areas of the city and severe acute respiratory infection mortality in public hospitals.

CONCLUSION

Our results show a disproportionate intensive care unit bed provision across the city of Rio de Janeiro and the need for a rational distribution of intensive care.

Level of physical activity and associated factors in a public university

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the level of physical activity and associated factors of the academic community of a Brazilian federal higher education institution. Overall, 483 students, 49 teachers and 153 administrative technicians of both genders participated in this stdy. Sociodemographic questionnaire, BMI evaluation and classification of the level of physical activity (IPAQ) were used. Statistical analysis was performed by the Pearson Chi-square test to observe possible associations between independent variables and LPA and Poisson regression analysis with 95% confidence intervals through the SPSS software version 22.0. Among the 61.8% of individuals classified as physically active, 48.90% belonged to the health area and 52.40% had Graduation / Specialization level. Of these, 45.7% showed normal BMI and 62.2% of them did not practice exercises before being admitted to the extension project. Teachers and administrative technicians were, respectively, 3.62 (95% CI = 1.11-11.82) and 2.15 (95% CI = 1.03-4.66) times more likely of having sedentary behavior when compared to the group of students. LPA was higher in undergraduate students, while teachers and technicians were more likely of being sedentary. The majority of participants had normal BMI and the largest portion of physically active individuals was composed of students of the health area. Thus, it is necessary to encourage interventions for the practice of physical activity within the academic community, as well as the implementation of internal policies to mobilize individuals to improve the worrying situation of sedentary behavior.

Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior: A Cross-Sectional Study of Brazilian Older Adults

BACKGROUND

To examine the level of physical activity and sedentary behavior (SB), measured with accelerometers, in older adults from a city in southern Brazil according to sociodemographic and health characteristics.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 425 older adults (≥63 y) from the EpiFloripa Aging Study. Light physical activity (LPA), moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and SB were measured with accelerometers over a period of 7 days.

RESULTS

The older adults spent two-thirds of the time of use in SB, one-third in LPA, and only 2.1% (95% confidence interval, 1.8-2.2) in MVPA. In the final adjusted model, lower levels of MVPA were observed for women, as well as higher SB and lower LPA and MVPA for those with higher age. There were also trends toward prolonged SB and lower LPA when participants had a higher educational level and toward lower MVPA with higher body mass index.

CONCLUSIONS

Constant monitoring of physical activity levels and SB using objective measures is recommended and interventions should be directed at the groups most exposed to excessive SB and low levels of MVPA.

Fatores associados à prática de atividade física entre trabalhadores brasileiros

RESUMO Avaliaram-se os fatores associados à prática de atividade física de trabalhadores brasileiros. Trata-se de estudo descritivo, analítico, transversal, quantitativo, realizado com 82.019.207 trabalhadores por meio da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios de 2015. Para verificar a associação da prática de atividade física dos trabalhadores, estimou-se a Odds Ratio (OR) com p<0,05 por meio de modelo de regressão logística com Intervalo de Confiança (IC) de 95%. Verificou-se que somente 31,7% dos trabalhadores praticavam atividade física. A possibilidade de praticar diminuiu com o aumento da idade, principalmente para aqueles do sexo masculino entre 46 e 55 anos (OR 0,626, IC 0,565-0,693), bem como para as trabalhadoras que possuíam filhos menores de 14 anos (OR 0,569, IC 0,474-0,682) e com elevada carga horária laboral. Do trabalho informal para o formal, ocorreu aumento da prática em 17,9%. Tanto a elevação da escolaridade como a salarial aumentaram essa chance em, respectivamente, 5,719 para aqueles com quinze anos ou mais de estudo e em 2,365 para aqueles que auferem renda entre doze e quinze salários mínimos. Por fim, os militares possuíam maior chance de praticar atividade física (OR 5,586, IC 3,572-8,736).

Are Differences in Physical Activity across Socioeconomic Groups Associated with Choice of Physical Activity Variables to Report?

Despite being challenged in recent years, the hypothesis that individuals of higher socioeconomic status (SES) are more physically active than their lower SES counterparts is generally considered a fact. Recent reviews, however, have suggested that differences across groups might be related to which physical activity (PA) domains have been investigated. In the present review, searches for relevant studies were performed in the MEDLINE, ISI Web of Knowledge and SPORTDiscus databases. Search terms included “socioeconomic”, “socio-economic”, “socio economic” and “social class” to meet all variations of the variable “socioeconomic status” in combination with the term “physical activity”. Studies were included when applying the dimensions of intensity, frequency, type/mode, and duration in measuring PA. Fifty-six studies were included and were subsequently split into four PA domains: transport PA (TPA), occupational PA (OPA), housing PA (HPA) and leisure time PA (LTPA). It turned out that the positive relationship held only for LTPA, whereas the relationship was non-existent or even opposite for all other domains. It is concluded that the assumed positive relationship between SES and PA is mainly a relationship between LTPA and SES. It is further suggested that the PA domain should always be considered when studying said relationships.

Correlates of accelerometer-assessed physical activity in pregnancy-The 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study

Objective methods to measure physical activity (PA) have become available and widely used given the high degree of precision to evaluate PA. However, few studies have used accelerometers to measure PA during pregnancy, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries. We assessed overall PA, moderate, vigorous, and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) objectively measured among pregnant women and their correlates in a population‐based study. PA was assessed for seven consecutive days using a raw triaxial wrist‐worn accelerometer in women interviewed around 16 and 24 weeks of gestation in the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study. The average acceleration, which expresses overall PA, was presented in milli‐g (1 mg = 0.001 g), and average time (min/day) spent in MVPA (>100 mg) was also analyzed in 5‐ and 10‐min bouts. Analyses were performed using linear regression. In total, 2317 women were included in the analyses. Overall PA was 27.6 mg. Pregnant women spent on average 14 min/day in MVPA and 0.4 min in vigorous PA. Time spent in MVPA and total PA were inversely associated with years in school and income, and were lower among women receiving advice to not exercise. MVPA was also inversely associated with age, lower among women living with a partner, and higher among non‐white women. The study indicated low levels of PA among pregnant women. The identified correlates may provide a framework to better understand factors influencing PA during pregnancy and thus inform future interventions.

Correlates of physical activity counseling by health providers to patients with diabetes and hypertension attended by the Family Health Strategy in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil

AIMS

The aim of this study was to determine correlates of physical activity (PA) counseling by health providers of the Brazilian primary care delivery system, for hypertensive and diabetic subjects, as well as correlates of actual leisure-time PA of these subjects.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in random samples of 785 hypertensive and 822 diabetic subjects, in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. Relationships between PA counseling and leisure-time PA and explanatory variables were sought through multiple logistic regressions.

RESULTS

PA counseling had been received by 59.4% of the diabetic and 53.0% of the hypertensive subjects; around 30% of the diabetic and the hypertensive subjects declared having leisure-time PA. After adjustment, factors associated with PA counseling for diabetic subjects were: female gender, formal schooling, hypertension, obesity; for hypertensive subjects: being on a weight-loss diet, age between 60 and 74 and over 75. For both subject groups, leisure-time PA was more frequent when they lived in a medium-sized municipality, were female, aged between 60 and 75, and on a weight-loss diet.

CONCLUSION

PA counseling appeared restricted to subjects with excess weight and/or cardiovascular risk factors when it should be directed to all subjects with hypertension or diabetes.

Unhealthy Lifestyle Behaviors in Korean People with Metabolic Syndrome

This study identified factors associated with unhealthy lifestyle behaviors in people with metabolic syndrome in South Korea. The sample consisted of 1,207 subjects with metabolic syndrome from the Sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2014. High-risk alcohol consumption, smoking, aerobic physical activity, leisure physical activity, excessive carbohydrate intake, and fat intake were measured. A secondary data analysis was performed using chi-square tests and logistic regression. Gender was associated with all unhealthy behaviors. The number of metabolic syndrome components, a poor perceived health status, and attempts to control weight were associated with physical inactivity. Those findings may be helpful to develop a tailored lifestyle modification programs for people with metabolic syndrome.

Fatores relacionados à inatividade física no lazer em mulheres obesas

Resumo Objetivo Verificar os fatores relacionados à inatividade física (IF) no lazer em mulheres com excesso de peso. Métodos Estudo transversal, recorte de um projeto matriz denominado “Monitoramento remoto de enfermagem de mulheres com excesso de peso”, desenvolvido em ambulatório de referência para obesidade, em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil, no qual uma equipe multidisciplinar cerca de 300 usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde, sendo 91% mulheres, razão pela qual foram selecionadas para o estudo. Mediante consulta aos prontuários 174 mulheres foram recrutadas atendendo aos critérios de inclusão para o projeto matriz: ter excesso de peso (IMC ≥25 kg/m2), idade superior a 18 anos, comparecido a consulta médica nos últimos doze meses e telefone fixo e/ou celular. Foram critérios de exclusão: ausência de condições físicas para medidas antropométricas e cognitivas para responder aos instrumentos da pesquisa, distúrbios psiquiátricos, uso de drogas para perda de peso e realização de cirurgia bariátrica. Obedeceu-se as orientações do processamento e de análise dos dados do IPAQ. Resultados Houve alta prevalência de IF (85,2%) e associação significante entre IF e índice de massa corporal, autoeficácia para atividade física, percepção do ambiente, dependentes no domicílio, estado de saúde percebido e número de comorbidades. Na regressão, a IF associou-se ao número de comorbidades (RP:1,31; IC 95% 1,06;1,64); a autopercepção de saúde ruim (RP: 1,28; 1,01;1,61); a baixa autoeficácia (RP:1,27; 1,06; 1,51) e a percepção do ambiente ruim (RP:1,27; IC 95% 1,01;1,60). Conclusão A IF no lazer associou-se a variáveis individuais e ambientais.

Prevalence of active transportation among adults in Latin America and the Caribbean: a systematic review of population-based studies

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence of "active" (self-propelled, human-powered) transportation in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region over the past decade.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Excerpta Medica (Embase), SportDiscus, Lilacs, MediCarib, Web of Science, OVID, CINAHL, Scopus, Google Scholar, National Transportation Library, and TRIS/TRID were searched for articles on active transportation published between January 2003 and December 2014 with (at least) a title and abstract in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Research was included in the study if the two reviewing authors agreed it 1) was conducted in an adult sample (≥ 18 years old), 2) was designed to be representative of any LAC area, and 3) reported at least one measure of active transportation. Reference lists of included papers and retrieved reviews were also checked. A total of 129 key informants (87 scientific experts and 42 government authorities) were contacted to identify additional candidate publications. Two other authors extracted the data independently.

RESULTS

A total of 10 459 unique records were found; the full texts of 143 were reviewed; and a total of 45 studies were included in the study, yielding estimates for 72 LAC settings, most of which were in Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia. No eligible studies were found for the years 2003-2004, resulting in a 10-year study time frame. Estimates were available for walking, cycling, or the combination of both, with a high degree of heterogeneity (heterogeneity index (I2) ≥ 99%). The median prevalence of active transportation (combining walking and cycling) was 12.0%, ranging from 5.1% (in Palmas, Brazil) to 58.9% (in Rio Claro, Brazil). Men cycled more than women in all regions for which information was available. The opposite was true for walking.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of active transportation in LAC varied widely, with great heterogeneity and uneven distribution of studies across countries, indicating the need for efforts to build comprehensive surveillance systems with standardized, timely, and detailed estimates of active transportation in order to support policy planning and evaluation.

Secular trends and correlates of physical activity: The Tromsø Study 1979-2008

Background

The aim was to describe secular trends in leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and work related physical activity (WPA) from 1979 to 2008. Additionally, we explored potential cross-sectional and longitudinal correlates of LTPA and WPA.

Methods

Data are collected from 34,898 individuals (49.7% men) aged >20 years who participated in at least one Tromsø Study survey between 1979 and 2008. In each survey, the participants completed a self-administered questionnaire and underwent physical examinations. LTPA and WPA were assessed by the validated “Saltin-Grimby” 4-scale questions. Potential correlates of LTPA and WPA (sex, age, body mass index (BMI), education, smoking, self-reported cardiovascular disease, self-perceived health, and employment status) were tested using ordinal logistic regression.

Results

The age-adjusted prevalence of participants being inactive in leisure time remained relatively stable around 20% from 1979 to 2008 (range 19.9–23.6%). The age-adjusted prevalence of moderate-vigorous LTPA decreased from 23.2% in 1979–80 to 16.0% in 2001, thereafter the prevalence increased to 24.3% in 2007–08 (P <0.05). The age-adjusted prevalence of being mostly sedentary at work increased gradually from 35.5% in 1979–80 to 53.4% in 2007–08 (P <0.05). Sex, age, education, and smoking were identified as cross-sectional correlates of LTPA and WPA (P <0.05). Men had higher odds of engaging in LTPA than women (adjusted OR 1.52 [95% CI 1.39–1.67] in 2007–08), whereas the association between sex and WPA shifted over time. High education level, not being a smoker, and high WPA were associated with high LTPA, whereas low education level, being a smoker, and high levels of LTPA were associated with high WPA (P <0.05). In general, odds of engaging in LTPA and WPA decreased with age (P <0.05). Individuals with healthy BMI had higher odds of being in a higher LTPA level than those who were underweight and obese (P <0.05). Longitudinal analyses identified sex, age, education, smoking, WPA, and LTPA measured in 1979–80 as determinants of LTPA in 2007–08.

Conclusions

In Norwegian adults, the proportion of sedentary WPA increased from 1979 to 2008, whereas the proportion of inactive LTPA remained stable. Being female, older, smoker, obese or underweight, and low education level were associated with low LTPA levels.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3886-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Social inequalities in health behaviors among Brazilian adults: National Health Survey, 2013

BACKGROUND

Considering the high socioeconomic inequalities prevailing in Brazil and lifestyle as a strong determinant of morbidity and premature mortality, our purpose was to evaluate the degree of socioeconomic disparities in the prevalence of health behaviors among Brazilian adult population using data from the 2013 Brazilian National Health Survey.

METHOD

Based on a sample of 49,025 individuals aged 20 to 59 years, we estimated the prevalence of several health behaviors and a score of unhealthy behaviors according to gender, education, race/color and possession of private health insurance. The prevalence ratios adjusted by age and gender were estimated by means of multiple Poisson regression and the analyses took into account the sampling design.

RESULTS

Significant social inequalities were identified in the Brazilian adults. Higher prevalence of current smoking, leisure-time physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle, whole milk consumption and low ingestion of greens, vegetables, and fruits were observed among the less educated, in the non-white population, and among those without private health insurance. Higher prevalence of heavy episodic drinking was found in the non-white population, but no difference in the consumption of fatty meat was found according to skin color. Score of unhealthy behavior higher than 6 was more frequent in lower educational strata (PR = 3.74) in the non-white population (PR = 1.39) and among those without private health insurance (PR = 1.78). Compared to women, men had higher prevalence rates of smoking, hazardous alcohol consumption, and fatty meat consumption and lower consumption of greens, vegetables and fruits.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study emphasize the importance of monitoring social inequalities in health as part of national health policies and the urgent need to prioritize actions to promote healthy behaviors, especially among the most socially vulnerable segments of society.

Factors associated with leisure time physical activity among ELSA-Brasil participants: Ecological model

The main objective of the study was identify the prevalence and factors associated with leisure time physical activity (LTPA) in adult participants of the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). The LTPA was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), long version. A hierarchical ecological model was built with the possible factors associated with LTPA distributed across blocks. We estimated crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) using logistic regression. In men, being more educated, having a high family income, living in environments with conditions and opportunities for PA, being retired and being overweight were positively associated, while current smoking, obesity and abdominal obesity were associated negatively with the LTPA. Among women, being over 60years old, being more educated, having a high family income, living in an environment with conditions and opportunities for PA practice and being retired were positively associated, while being overweight, obese and having abdominal obesity were associated negatively with the LTPA. The proposed ecological model explains the LTPA through the social, physical and personal environment and highlights gender differences in physical activity.

Actividad física ocupacional, de transporte y de tiempo libre: Desigualdades según género en Santander, Colombia

<p>Objetivos. Estimar las prevalencias de actividad física ocupacional, de transporte, de tiempo libre y de cumplimiento de recomendaciones, y explorar su asociación con variables demográficas y socioeconómicas en hombres y mujeres del departamento de Santander (Colombia). Métodos. La muestra fue constituida por 2 421 personas entre los 15 y 64 años participantes en el estudio transversal de Factores de Riesgo para Enfermedades Crónicas en Santander, realizado en el año 2010. Para la recolección de datos se empleó el cuestionario mundial de actividad física. Se calcularon razones de prevalencia de práctica ajustadas por edad y se construyeron modelos multivariados mediante análisis de regresión de Poisson robusta para cada sexo. Resultados. Las prevalencias de actividad física ocupacional, de tiempo libre y de cumplimiento de recomendaciones fueron más bajas en las mujeres. La división sexual del trabajo y un bajo nivel socioeconómico influyó negativamente en la actividad física en las mujeres, limitando la posibilidad de práctica de aquellas dedicadas principalmente al trabajo no remunerado en sus hogares. Los hombres jóvenes, solteros o residentes en sectores de estratos socioeconómicos más altos tuvieron más probabilidad de practicar actividad física en el tiempo libre y cumplir recomendaciones. Conclusión. La vigilancia y las políticas públicas sobre la actividad física deben tener en cuenta las desigualdades de práctica entre hombres y mujeres y al interior de estos, relacionadas con sus condiciones socioeconómicas y la división sexual del trabajo.</p>

Context of Physical Activity in a Representative Sample of Adults

PURPOSE

The establishment of formal physical activity (PA) guidelines has led to considerable interest in quantifying participation in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA). However, evidence on the context of MVPA at the population level is scarce. The aim of this study was to provide information on the type, location, and purpose of MVPA in a representative sample of adults.

METHODS

Data from a representative sample of 1234 Iowa adults were included in this study. Each participant performed a telephone-administered 24-h PA recall method to recall PA in the previous 24 h. Self-reported data from the recall instrument included time and types of reported activities across five distinct location and purpose codes. Reported activities were matched with corresponding metabolic equivalent (MET) scores from a reduced list of compendium of physical activities. MVPA was defined as any activity with assigned MET ≥ 3.0.

RESULTS

Of the top 30 most frequently reported MVPA, 16 were lifestyle activities involving walking, and only 4 can be regarded as traditional "exercises." Occupational activities (41% for purpose and 40% for location) and household activities (37% for purpose and 39% for location) accounted for nearly 80% of total reported MVPA time. Time allocations across purpose and location codes considerably differed by sociodemographic indicators.

CONCLUSION

Lifestyle activities are more frequently reported than sports and/or recreational activities. Individuals with varying levels of sociodemographic indicators exhibit different patterns of use of time within a given day. A multidomain approach is needed to better understand and increase MVPA in diverse populations of US adults.

Differential associations of urbanicity and income with physical activity in adults in urbanizing China: findings from the population-based China Health and Nutrition Survey 1991-2009

Background

High urbanicity and income are risk factors for cardiovascular-related chronic diseases in low- and middle-income countries, perhaps due to low physical activity (PA) in urban, high income areas. Few studies have examined differences in PA over time according to income and urbanicity in a country experiencing rapid urbanization.

Methods

We used data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey, a population-based cohort of Chinese adults (n = 20,083; ages 18-75y) seen a maximum of 7 times from 1991-2009. We used sex-stratified, zero-inflated negative binomial regression models to examine occupational, domestic, leisure, travel, and total PA in Chinese adults according to year, urbanicity, income, and the interactions among urbanicity, income, and year, controlling for age and region of China.

Results

We showed larger mean temporal PA declines for individuals living in relatively low urbanicity areas (1991: 500 MET-hours/week; 2009: 300 MET-hours/week) compared to high urbanicity areas (1991: 200 MET-hours/week; 2009: 125 MET-hours/week). In low urbanicity areas, the association between income and total PA went from negative in 1991 (p < 0.05) to positive by 2000 (p < 0.05). In relatively high urbanicity areas, the income-PA relationship was positive at all time points and was statistically significant at most time points after 1997 (p < 0.05). Leisure PA was the only domain of PA that increased over time, but >95 % of individuals in low urbanicity areas reported zero leisure PA at each time point.

Conclusions

Our findings show changing associations for income and urbanicity with PA over 18 years of urbanization. Total PA was lower for individuals living in more versus less urban areas at all time points. However, these differences narrowed over time, which may relate to increases in individual-level income in less urban areas of China with urbanization. Low-income individuals in higher urbanicity areas are a particularly critical group to target to increase PA in China.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12966-015-0321-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Applying Transtheoretical Model to Promote Physical Activities Among Women

BACKGROUND

Physical activity is one of the most important indicators of health in communities but different studies conducted in the provinces of Iran showed that inactivity is prevalent, especially among women.

OBJECTIVES

Inadequate regular physical activities among women, the importance of education in promoting the physical activities, and lack of studies on the women using transtheoretical model, persuaded us to conduct this study with the aim of determining the application of transtheoretical model in promoting the physical activities among women of Isfahan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This research was a quasi-experimental study which was conducted on 141 women residing in Isfahan, Iran. They were randomly divided into case and control groups. In addition to the demographic information, their physical activities and the constructs of the transtheoretical model (stages of change, processes of change, decisional balance, and self-efficacy) were measured at 3 time points; preintervention, 3 months, and 6 months after intervention. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed through t test and repeated measures ANOVA test using SPSS version 16.

RESULTS

The results showed that education based on the transtheoretical model significantly increased physical activities in 2 aspects of intensive physical activities and walking, in the case group over the time. Also, a high percentage of people have shown progress during the stages of change, the mean of the constructs of processes of change, as well as pros and cons. On the whole, a significant difference was observed over the time in the case group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that interventions based on the transtheoretical model can promote the physical activity behavior among women.

[Socio-demographic factors associated with three sedentary behaviors in Brazilian workers]

This study focused on the association between socio-demographic characteristics and three sedentary behaviors among industrial workers in Brazil. Data were analyzed on 47,477 workers from 24 Brazilian states, collected by questionnaires from 2006 to 2008. Individual and simultaneous presence of ≥ 4 hours of TV time per day, commuting by car or motorcycle, and sitting most of the time at work were investigated, as well as associations between these behaviors and gender, age, schooling, and family income. Simple and multiple binary logistic regression were used. Older workers and those with more schooling and higher income had increased odds of presenting two or all of the three target behaviors. Associations between gender and sedentary behaviors depend on the specific behavior. Such information can be useful for planning interventions to reduce sedentary behavior, with better targeting and more effectiveness in reaching different population subgroups.

Walking, biking or sport: how Spanish women attending breast cancer screening meet physical activity recommendations?

BACKGROUND

The aim is to analyse physical activity (PA), the fulfillment recommendation of at least 150 min of moderate PA, through walking/biking (W&B), sport, both types of PA and the factors associated with inactivity by Spanish women who attended breast cancer screening programmes.

METHODS

The DDM-Spain is a multicentre cross-sectional study involving 3584 women, aged 45-68, attending screening in seven Spanish cities. Data were collected using a questionnaire, including age, socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, family burden and PA. PA was converted into metabolic equivalent of task (METs), categorized as low ≤ 600 METs min per week (m/w), moderate 600-3000 METs m/w and high ≥ 3000 METs m/w. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify variables associated with inactivity for each type of PA.

RESULTS

No women achieved a high level of PA through sport. 79.2% achieved a high or moderate level of PA by W&B. Lack of sport was associated with being overweight (odds ratio OR = 1.31; 95% confidence interval CI: 1.06 to 1.62), body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 (OR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.44 to 2.38), smoking (OR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.22 to 2.00) and living with a disabled person (OR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.0 to 2.81), whereas enough sport practice was associated with higher educational or socio-economic level (SEL). Regarding W&B, inactivity was associated with BMI ≥ 30 (OR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.49 to 2.45) and living with someone >74 (OR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.48 to 2.58). Inactivity for both types of exercise was associated with a BMI ≥ 30 (OR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.63 to 2.8), smoking (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.81) and living with someone >74 (OR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.24 to 2.28).

CONCLUSIONS

Family burden and BMI ≥ 30 are inversely associated with both types of PA. W&B is the most common type of PA regardless of educational and SEL.

Correlations of Physical Activity, Body Mass Index, Shift Duty, and Selected Eating Habits among Nurses in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Nurses are the largest group of direct health providers and can serve as role models for their patients. In this cross sectional study we assessed the relationship among physical activity and barriers, shift duty, elevated BMI, and selected eating habits among 362 non-Saudi female nurses in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Results showed that 46.7% were either overweight or obese. Marital status, shift duty, education level, and BMI were significant predictors of physical activity. Weather was the most frequently reported barrier to physical activity (88.3%), followed by a lack of transportation (82.6%), and a lack of time (81.3%). Nurses who worked shift duty had significantly (p = 0.004) higher BMIs compared with day shift nurses. Nurses who rarely ate breakfast (p = 0.004) and meals (p = 0.001) and often eat fast food (p = 0.001) were more likely to be overweight or obese. Nurses should be encouraged for a better healthy lifestyles.

Practice of leisure-time physical activities and episodes of mood alteration amongst men and women

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of leisure-time physical activity and episodes of mood alteration in a population-based sample of adults, and its relation with gender.

METHOD

This is a cross-sectional population-based study with young adults aged between 18 and 35 years old. Sample selection was performed by clusters. The practice of physical activity was evaluated through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), whereas mood disorders were evaluated using a short structured diagnostic interview-the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) for DSM-IV and ICD-10 psychiatric disorders.

LIMITATION

Causal inferences are limited due the study׳s design.

RESULTS

Sample consisted of 1953 young adults. The prevalence of leisure-time physical activity and of depressive episodes in the total sample was 25.3% and 17.2%, respectively. The prevalence of activity amongst men was 1.18 (CI 95% 1.18-1.32) times higher than in the women׳s group, whereas depression was 1.87 (CI 95% 1.41-2.47) times more prevalent amongst women than men. The prevalence of physical activity was not different between women (p=0.287), nor between men (p=0.895) regarding the presence of mania/hypomania episode.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of physical activity and depression was different concerning gender. The prevalence of physical activity is lower amongst women, whereas the prevalence of depression is higher amongst women when compared to men.

[Leisure-time physical activities among adults in Florianopolis, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil: a population-based study on the characteristics of the practices and the practitioners]

The study established characteristics of practices and practitioners of leisure-time physical activities among adults in Florianopolis, Brazil. It was a population-based, cross-sectional survey conducted between September 2009 and January 2010. Leisure-time physical activity was assessed using a validated questionnaire. Walking and weight lifting were the most frequently reported activities. Vigorous physical activities were more frequent among men and young adults. There were no gender or age differences in relation to the frequency and duration of physical activities. Walking and gymnastics were more frequently practiced by women, and jogging and soccer by men. Age was positively associated with walking, and negatively with soccer and weight lifting. Caucasian and black males practiced gymnastics and soccer more frequently. Adults living with a partner practiced more walking and soccer, and less weight lifting. Educational level was directly associated with jogging and gymnastics, but inversely with soccer. Income was inversely associated with soccer and directly associated with weight lifting. Policies to promote physical activity should consider the different interests of the population to stimulate the scope of their practice in leisure-time.

Exercício físico como fator de proteção para a saúde em servidores públicos

INTRODUÇÃO: A atividade física é reconhecida como fator de proteção para a saúde, sendo seus benefícios associados à redução de doenças crônicas e à diminuição do risco de morte prematura por doenças cardiovasculares. Embora a atividade física seja um importante recurso para políticas de promoção de saúde, o baixo nível e a inatividade física são preocupantes em todo o mundo. Em uma sociedade cada vez mais urbanizada e industrializada, exercícios físicos praticados regularmente são importantes recursos para manter o nível de atividade física recomendado, contudo, é preciso identificar as práticas mais adequadas às necessidades preconizadas como efeito protetor do exercício físico para a saúde.OBJETIVO: Analisar a prevalência de atividade física, fatores sociodemográficos, frequência, modalidades e motivos para a prática de exercício físico em servidores públicos de uma universidade.MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, amostra aleatória (280 indivíduos) nível de confiança 95%, erro amostral 5%. Para avaliar o nível de atividade física foi utilizado o instrumento IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), versão curta, na forma de entrevista. Foi aplicado um questionário sociodemográfico e questionado se os indivíduos praticavam exercício físico regularmente, a modalidade e frequência semanal, bem como os motivos para a prática. Os dados foram analisados utilizando-se o software estatístico SPSS - 14.0.RESULTADOS: A prevalência de inativos e insuficientemente ativos foi de 43,9%. Entre os que fazem exercício físico, 92,5% o fazem para a saúde (p<0,005), porém 29% são inativos ou insuficientemente ativos. Das modalidades mais praticadas, ao contrário do esperado, a caminhada não foi significativa.CONCLUSÕES: Houve diferenças no nível de atividade física quanto à idade, sexo, estado civil e ocupação, bem como nos motivos, na escolha e diversidade de modalidades praticadas. Além de encorajar e monitorar a atividade física, é preciso criar estratégias institucionais a fim de que se possam obter benefícios de melhor qualidade para a saúde.

Prevalence of leisure-time sedentary behaviour and sociodemographic correlates: a cross-sectional study in Spanish adults

Background

Being physically inactive has been linked to a higher mortality and poorer quality of life. This cross-sectional study examines the prevalence of leisure-time sedentary behaviour in a population of Spanish adults and its correlates with several sociodemographic variables.

Methods

Data were collected from 1,330 subjects living in Madrid (age: 18-65 years, 51.6% women) by telephone interview. The sampling error was ±2.7% for a 95.5% confidence level. Leisure-time sedentary behaviour was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (version 2). Further factors examined were: country of birth, sex, age, civil state, education level, employment and economic status and physical activity of parents.

Results

76.3% of the subjects interviewed reported a mostly sedentary leisure-time lifestyle. The remaining subjects (23.7%) reported a moderate to high level of physical activity, meeting minimum recommendations. Logistic regression adjusted for all variables identified the following population subsets as showing a greater risk of sedentary behaviour: women (odds ratio (OR) = 2.14; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.64, 2.79), participants aged 41-50 years (OR = 1.64; 95%CI:1.05, 2.51), those with a middle economic status (OR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.04, 2.10) or not providing information about their income (OR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.05, 3.67), and those whose father (OR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.13, 2.07) and/or mother (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.97) were never physically active during leisure-time.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of self-reported sedentary behaviour recorded suggests the need for public health policies targeted at increasing leisure-time physical activity levels. Our data identified several population subsets as priority candidates for possible interventions pursuing this goal.