Factors associated with physical inactivity in transportation in Brazilian adults living in a low socioeconomic area.
BACKGROUND
Physical inactivity in transportation is negatively related to many health outcomes. However, little is known about the correlates of this condition among people living in regions of low socioeconomic level.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study aimed to assess factors associated with physical inactivity in transportation among adults in the Eastern Zone of São Paulo, Brazil. Home-based interviews were conducted between May 2007 and January 2008 on a probabilistic sample of the adult population (≥18 years), totaling 368 men and 522 women. Factors associated with physical inactivity in transportation (less than 10 minutes per week of walking or cycling) were assessed using multivariate Poisson regression with hierarchical selection of variables.


RESULTS
Physical inactivity in transportation was associated with the presence of vehicles in the household in men (PR = 2.96) and women (PR = 2.42), with linear trend for both sexes (P < .001 and P = .004, respectively), even after adjusting for age, schooling level and chronic diseases (this last factor, only among women).


CONCLUSIONS
Presence of vehicles in the household was associated positively with physical inactivity in transportation, both for men and for women. This should be taken into consideration in drawing up public policies for promoting physical activity.
Dept of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Thiago Herick
TH
Sa
Emanuel Péricles
EP
Salvador
Alex Antonio
AA
Florindo
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011204:Poverty Areas; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014186:Transportation; D014504:Urban Health; D035862:Vulnerable Populations; D016138:Walking; D055815:Young Adult