title: Socio-demographic correlates of leisure time physical activity among Portuguese adults.
abstract: This study aimed to identify socio-demographic correlates of leisure time physical activity among Portuguese adults. Subjects aged 31-60 years (1,076 males, 1,383 females) were categorized into two groups according to recommended physical activities ranging from ≥ 10 or < 10 MET.hours.week-1. Leisure time physical activity data was self-reported, including activities, duration of each session and frequency. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were applied to the results. Among men, having a high socioeconomic status (OR = 1.89; 95%CI: 1.30-2.76; p = 0.001) was associated with attaining the recommended level of physical activity. For women, middle education levels were associated with physical activity (OR = 1.36; 95%CI: 1.01-1.85). Moreover, middle socioeconomic status (OR = 1.45; 95%CI: 0.80-1.91; p = 0.009) was also positively associated with meeting physical activities recommendations in the unadjusted analysis. Men and women had different patterns of socio-demographic correlates. An intervention designed to improve the levels of physical activity among Portuguese adults may take these correlates into account.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: Adilson
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marques
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: João
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Martins
authors.affiliation: Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, University Institute of Maia, Maia, Portugal.
authors.forename: Hugo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sarmento
authors.affiliation: Centro de Investigação e Estudos de Sociologia, Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: Madalena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ramos
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Diniz
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: Francisco Carreiro da
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Costa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D011174:Portugal; D057566:Self Report; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires