Jenifer Lopes Borchardt1,2, Renata Gomes Paulitsch3, Samuel Carvalho Dumith4,3. 1. Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, 96203900, Brazil. jenifer-lopes@hotmail.com. 2. , Pelotas, Brazil. jenifer-lopes@hotmail.com. 3. Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, 96203900, Brazil. 4. Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, 96203900, Brazil.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the association of built, natural and social environment variables with the practice of physical activity (PA) during leisure time and commuting. METHODS: Household interviews were carried out with a representative sample of individuals aged 18 years or older from a municipality in southern Brazil. PA was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and households were georeferenced with a 500-m buffer. RESULTS: Few associations between environmental variables and PA practice were identified. Only proximity to the seafront, presence of private gyms or sports clubs and higher average monthly income of the household head were associated with the practice of PA. In addition, there were inconsistencies in the findings showing that the associations varied based on the intensity and modality of PA within the same domain. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence on the lack of association between objective environmental measures and the practice of PA. Although there were few significant results and the presence of inconsistencies in the findings, some environmental variables were associated with a more frequent practice of PA.
OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the association of built, natural and social environment variables with the practice of physical activity (PA) during leisure time and commuting. METHODS: Household interviews were carried out with a representative sample of individuals aged 18 years or older from a municipality in southern Brazil. PA was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and households were georeferenced with a 500-m buffer. RESULTS: Few associations between environmental variables and PA practice were identified. Only proximity to the seafront, presence of private gyms or sports clubs and higher average monthly income of the household head were associated with the practice of PA. In addition, there were inconsistencies in the findings showing that the associations varied based on the intensity and modality of PA within the same domain. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence on the lack of association between objective environmental measures and the practice of PA. Although there were few significant results and the presence of inconsistencies in the findings, some environmental variables were associated with a more frequent practice of PA.
Authors: Riitta Pyky; Soile Puhakka; Tiina M Ikäheimo; Tiina Lankila; Maarit Kangas; Matti Mäntysaari; Timo Jämsä; Raija Korpelainen Journal: J Environ Public Health Date: 2021-05-24