Physical activity at leisure, transportation, social support and urban environment perception in women and men in Florianópolis/SC

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify characteristics of the perceived physical environment and social support associated with physical activity during leisure (LFA), and transportation (TFA) in man and women. The study was based on a systematic sample of 746 residents in Florianópolis, SC, Brazil, obtained by phonebook. We utilized the long version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and the scale of active mobility in the community environment (news adapted). The outcomes investigated were not meeting the recommendations for physical activity (NARAF) in LFA and TFA in man and women. As explanatory variables we investigated the characteristics of socio-demographic variables, perception of the environment, general health, and body mass index (IMC). We performed logistic regression analysis to estimate the odds ratios and the adjusted attributes of the physical environment and social support of man and women that NARAF. The response rate was 91% (n = 746). The prevalence of women in NARAF in transportation was 73.3% (69.1-77.5%) and for men was 71.1% (66.1 to 76.2%). In the LFA NARAF prevalence of women was 78.4% (74.5-78.3%) and 74.9% (70.1-79.7%) in men. In TFA environmental attributes associated with less chance of NARAF were: live in an area close to shopping areas, gym and bank branch close to home. In the LFA, street lighting, security during the day, walking site close to home and live near the coastline. Programs to promote AFL in adults should consider variables of the urban environment (lit streets, safety, local walking or physical activity and attractiveness of locations). To promote the TFA should be considered public and private structures (proximity to shopping areas, gyms, banks and attractiveness of locations).