Is the availability of open public spaces associated with leisure-time physical activity in Brazilian adults?
This study aims to analyse the association between perceived presence of public spaces near residences and practice of physical activity during leisure time by adults in the state capitals of Brazil, based on sociodemographic characteristics. Participants were individuals aged ≥18 years living in the 27 state capitals of Brazil (n = 52 929, 53.9% female) who responded to a national survey called VIGITEL in 2013. Physical activity during leisure time (≥1 time/week), perception of space, population and sociodemographic variables (sex, age, years of study and geographic region) were self-reported. The adjusted binary logistic regression analysis was used. Among adults, the prevalence of physical activity during leisure was 45.1% (95% CI [44.2; 46.0]), and 71.1% (95% CI [70.2, 71.8]) perceived public space near their residence. A direct association between perceiving public space and physical activity ([OR] = 1.43; 95% CI [1.32; 1.55]) was observed. No significant difference was observed in the population groups (men and women, younger and older adults, and those with more and fewer years of study). Thus, even with the possible regional differences in Brazilian state capitals, the presence of public spaces increases the practice of physical activity during leisure time, independent of sociodemographic variables.
['Manta|Sofia Wolker|SW|', 'Del Duca|Giovani Firpo|GF|', 'da Silva|Kelly Samara|KS|', 'Rech|Cassiano Ricardo|CR|', 'Gomes|Roselaine da Silva|RDS|', 'Maximiano|Guilherme Pereira|GP|', 'Malta|Débora Carvalho|DC|']
D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D001938:Brazil D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies D015444:Exercise D005260:Female D006801:Humans D007899:Leisure Activities D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D000068316:Parks, Recreational D011633:Public Facilities D012959:Socioeconomic Factors D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires D014505:Urban Population
perception leisure activities motor activity physical environment urban design