Physical activity and correlates among adults living in Ribeirão Preto, Southeastern Brazil

To identify physical activity patterns and associated factors among adults. A cross-sectional population-based epidemiological study was conducted in Ribeirão Preto, Southeastern Brazil, in 2006, with a three-stage sampling process. Physical activity patterns were assessed in a weighted sample of 2,197 adults aged 30 years and over, using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short version), which has been validated in Brazil. Associated factors were identified using Poisson regression. Prevalence ratios were estimated through points and 95% confidence intervals, in univariate and multiple models. Insufficient versus sufficient practice of physical activity was taken to be the outcome for calculating prevalence ratios. Sufficient practice of physical activity was presented by 37.5% of the men and 32.1% of the women. The prevalence of insufficient practice was higher than the prevalence of sufficient practice in practically all the categories of variables, for both sexes. Different variables remained in the final models when males and females were considered separately. For males, the following remained in the final model: working for more than ten hours/day [PR = 1.30; 95%CI: 1.07;1.57]; three or more medications taken over the last 15 days [PR = 1.56; 95%CI: 1.16;2.08]; and poor/very poor self-reported health [PR = 1.54; 95%CI: 1.01;2.34]. For females, the following remained: education level of one to three years of schooling [PR = 1.20; 95%CI: 1.02;1.41]; not having any income [PR = 0.78; 95%CI: 0.66-0.93]; and income less than R$ 520.00 [PR = 0.74; 95%CI: 0.60;0.90]. The prevalence of insufficient practice of physical activity was high. The results suggest that there is a need to implement specific programs to promote physical activity, directed towards men who work for more than ten hours/day, take three or more medications and consider that their health is poor or very poor; and towards women of low income and schooling levels.