Characteristics of physical activity programs in the Brazilian primary health care system.
The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of programs that promote physical activity in the public primary care system by region of Brazil, subject to the presence or absence of multidisciplinary primary care teams (NASF). We conducted a cross sectional and population-based telephone survey of the health unit coordinators from 1,251 health care units. Coordinators were asked about the presence and characteristics of physical activity programs. Four out of ten health units reported having a physical activity intervention program, the most common involving walking groups. Most of the activities were performed in the morning, once or twice a week, and in sessions of 30 minutes or more. Physical education professionals were primarily responsible for directing the activities. Interventions occurred in the health unit itself or in adjacent community spaces. In general, these characteristics were similar between units with or without NASF, but varied substantially across regions. These findings will guide future physical activity policies and programs within primary care in Brazil.
Grace Angélica de Oliveira
GA
Gomes
Eduardo
E
Kokubun
Grégore Iven
GI
Mieke
Luiz Roberto
LR
Ramos
Michael
M
Pratt
Diana C
DC
Parra
Eduardo
E
Simões
Alex A
AA
Florindo
Mario
M
Bracco
Danielle
D
Cruz
Deborah
D
Malta
Felipe
F
Lobelo
Pedro C
PC
Hallal
D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009043:Motor Activity; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*