Physical inactivity among non-institutionalized elderly individuals: a population-based study/Inatividade fisica em idosos nao institucionalizados: estudo de base populacional

The scope of this study is to assess the prevalence of physical inactivity among the elderly in Northeast Brazil and analyze the associated lifestyle and socio-demographic factors and health conditions. The work presented here is a descriptive and association-based study using secondary data derived from a population-based epidemiological study that included 316 elderly participants. The physical activity level of each participant was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The explanatory variables examined in this study were gender, age group, family set-up, ability to read and write, paid or voluntary employment, smoking, symptoms of depression, high blood pressure, fasting hyperglycemia and functional capacity. The prevalence of physical inactivity was 46.5. The results of the multivariate analysis indicated that physical inactivity was positively associated with the age group ≥ 80 years (PR = 2.37), with the lack of an occupation (PR = 4.86) and with dependence on instrumental activities of daily life (PR = 1.47) and basic activities of daily life (PR = 1.60). Physical inactivity was highly prevalent in the surveyed population, making it essential to discuss programs that encourage and enable increased physical activity to combat the risk factors of a sedentary lifestyle.