Trends and inequalities of leisure-time physical activity among 535,145 adults from six South American countries

Oral Presentation C13.1

Authors

  • André O. Werneck University of São Paulo
  • Luciana Barboza University of Brasilia
  • Raphael Araujo Londrina State University
  • Ellen C. M. Silva Londrina State University
  • Danilo R. P. da Silva Federal University of Sergipe

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.725

Keywords:

SAPASEN, Secular Trends, Exercise

Abstract

Background: The surveillance of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is highlighted, considering its protective association with different chronic diseases and mental disorders. Purpose: To explore time trends and sociodemographic inequalities of LTPA among adults from six South American countries. Methods: We used data from 18 nationally representative surveys from six South American countries (Argentina: 2009, 2013 and 2018; Bolivia: 2008 and 2016; Brazil: 2008, 2013, 2015 and 2019; Chile: 2003, 2009 and 2016; Colombia: 2005, 2010 and 2015; Peru: 2007, 2009 and 2011), comprising 535,145 participants (18-64 years). Data on LTPA practice (yes or not) as well as education (categorized into quintiles), gender (male or female) and age group (18-34, 35-49 or 50-64 years) were collected through self-reported questionnaires. Specific sampling weights were used in all analyzes. Results: In general, the prevalence of LTPA increased over the years, with the highest increases in Brazil (2008:27.2%; 95%CI:26.9-27.5 vs. 2019:42.9%; 95%CI:42.3-43.6) and Peru (2007:24.0%; 95%CI:23.0-25.0 vs. 2011:40.4%; 95%CI:39.0-41.7). However, the highest increases were among people in the quintiles 4 and 5 of education, which consequently increased the inequalities in LTPA, and the highest increases were in Chile (Q5-Q1: 2003:16.7pp vs. 2009:31.6pp). The inequalities for gender and age group were relatively stable, with a higher practice among men and younger adults. Conclusions: While LTPA increased over the years, the inequalities increased or persisted. Policies for the stimulation of LTPA focused on risk groups are warranted to decrease the inequalities of LTPA practice in South American countries. Funding: This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. AW is supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) with a PhD scholarship (FAPESP process: 2019/24124-7). RA is supported by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) with a PhD scholarship (CAPES process: 88887.605034/2021-00). 

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Werneck, A., Barboza, L., Araujo, R., Silva, E., & da Silva, D. (2021). Trends and inequalities of leisure-time physical activity among 535,145 adults from six South American countries: Oral Presentation C13.1. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.725