OBJECTIVE: Outlining aspects associated with the adult population of the municipality of Guarne, Antioquia, engaging in physical activity during their leisure time (PALT), 2007. METHODS: A combined descriptive and correlation-type design was adopted, accompanied by qualitative analysis of compatibility and complementary functions. A survey and some interviews were held and some observations were made for exploring cultural, social-demographic, political-institutional and urban space matters at individual and contextual level. RESULTS: 52% of the people (mostly male) having a higher educational level and better perception of fitness and good health conditions reported engaging in outcome-associated PALT. Attitudes towards PALT were orientated towards both the expected result and practising it. Lack of time was the prevailing impediment, linked to others. Preferences were associated with gender. The use and appropriation of public spaces was found to be differentiated according to gender. Orientating local action for promoting PALT did not favour coordination between sectors and population participation. The qualitative analysis revealed a relationship between contextual (social gender representations, physical activity and appropriating public spaces) and individual aspects (permanence, preferences and appropriating public space), both aspects being connected with practising PALT. CONCLUSIONS: Individual and contextual aspects associated with practising PALT in the municipality of Guarne were identified as well as the relationships between them.
OBJECTIVE: Outlining aspects associated with the adult population of the municipality of Guarne, Antioquia, engaging in physical activity during their leisure time (PALT), 2007. METHODS: A combined descriptive and correlation-type design was adopted, accompanied by qualitative analysis of compatibility and complementary functions. A survey and some interviews were held and some observations were made for exploring cultural, social-demographic, political-institutional and urban space matters at individual and contextual level. RESULTS: 52% of the people (mostly male) having a higher educational level and better perception of fitness and good health conditions reported engaging in outcome-associated PALT. Attitudes towards PALT were orientated towards both the expected result and practising it. Lack of time was the prevailing impediment, linked to others. Preferences were associated with gender. The use and appropriation of public spaces was found to be differentiated according to gender. Orientating local action for promoting PALT did not favour coordination between sectors and population participation. The qualitative analysis revealed a relationship between contextual (social gender representations, physical activity and appropriating public spaces) and individual aspects (permanence, preferences and appropriating public space), both aspects being connected with practising PALT. CONCLUSIONS: Individual and contextual aspects associated with practising PALT in the municipality of Guarne were identified as well as the relationships between them.