title: Gender differences in leisure-time physical activity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the association between gender and leisure-time physical activity in a population-based sample of adults living in Brazil. To study a variety of variables possibly associated with physical activity levels.
  
  
  METHODS
  A multistage sampling of households was undertaken in Pelotas, a medium-sized Southern Brazilian city. Leisure-time physical activity was measured using the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data on potential predictors of leisure-time physical activity behavior were collected using a standardized questionnaire. 1344 men and 1756 women were interviewed. Several definitions of moderate and vigorous-intensity physical activity were used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Regardless of the guideline used, males were more active than women. Socioeconomic level was positively associated with leisure-time physical activity in both genders. A positive dose-response between age and inactivity was found in men, but not among women.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Because men and women have different levels of physical activity, and the variables associated with activity levels are not consistent across the genders, interventions promoting physical activity should take these differences into account.
authors.affiliation: Post-graduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil. marioazevedojr@terra.com.br
authors.forename: Mario Renato
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Azevedo
authors.forename: Cora Luiza Pavin
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Araújo
authors.forename: Felipe Fossati
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: Reichert
authors.forename: Fernando Vinholes
authors.initials: FV
authors.lastname: Siqueira
authors.forename: Marcelo Cozzensa
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: da Silva
authors.forename: Pedro Curi
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Hallal
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003906:Developing Countries; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D013177:Sports / Q000523:psychology*