title: Prevalence and correlates of physical inactivity among older adults in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Current information on the epidemiology of physical inactivity among older adults is lacking, making it difficult to target the inactive and to plan for interventions to ameliorate adverse effects.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To present statewide representative findings on the prevalence of physical inactivity among older community residents, its correlates and associated health service use.
  
  
  METHODS
  A representative non-institutionalized random sample of 6963 individuals in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, aged ≥60 years, was interviewed face-to-face. Information was obtained on demographic characteristics, social resources, health conditions and behaviors, health service use, and physical inactivity. Controlled logistic regression was used to determine the association of physical inactivity with these characteristics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, 62% reported no regular physical activity. Physical inactivity was significantly more prevalent among women, older persons, those with lower education and income, Afro-Brazilians (73%; White: 61%; "other": 64%), those no longer married, and was associated with multiple individual health conditions and impaired activities of daily living (ADL). In adjusted analyses, associations remained for sociodemographic characteristics, social participation, impaired self-rated health, ADL, vision, and depression (odds ratios (OR) 1.2-1.7). Physically inactive respondents were less likely to report outpatient visits (OR 0.81), but more likely to be hospitalized (OR 1.41).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Physical inactivity is highly prevalent, particularly among Afro -Brazilians. It is associated with adverse sociodemographic characteristics; lack of social interaction; and poor self-rated health, ADL, vision, and depression; although not with other health conditions. Self-care may be neglected, resulting in hospitalization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo, (Escola Paulista de Medicina-UNIFESP), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Adelle M R
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Souza
authors.affiliation: Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America.
authors.forename: Gerda G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Fillenbaum
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo, (Escola Paulista de Medicina-UNIFESP), São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Sergio L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Blay
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D057185:Sedentary Behavior