Physical inactivity: prevalence and associated variables in Brazilian adults.
OBJECTIVE
To measure the prevalence of physical inactivity, and variables associated with it, in an adult southern Brazilian population.


METHODS
Population-based cross-sectional study covering a multiple-stage sample of 3182 subjects aged 20 yr or more. Physical activity was assessed through the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), using home interviews with last-week recall. The questionnaire covers leisure, occupation, transportation, and housework activities. Physical inactivity was defined as fewer than 150 min.wk(-1) spent in moderate or vigorous physical activities. The time spent in vigorous activities was multiplied by two.


RESULTS
The prevalence of physical inactivity was 41.1%. After multivariate analyses, inactivity was positively associated with age and socioeconomic status, and inversely associated with self-reported health status. Those with white skin color and women who live alone rather than with a partner were more likely to have physical inactivity. Body mass index showed a significant U-shaped relationship with inactivity among men.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of physical inactivity in this Brazilian adult population is high, even though lower than reported in studies of leisure-time activity alone in other populations. Studies in developing countries may be seriously biased if activities during labor, transportation, and housework are not assessed.
Hallal
Pedro Curi
PC
Post-Graduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, RS, Brazil. prchallal@terra.com.br
Victora
Cesar Gomes
CG
Wells
Jonathan Charles Kingdon
JC
Lima
Rosângela Costa
RC
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors