Characterization and relationship between sociodemographic variables and physical activity among adults

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity is associated with health benefits, including physical, psychological, and social well-being. Modernity, with its form of organization and advances, has been characterized by a decrease in the practice of physical activity for various reasons, resulting in consequences for individuals. Objective: To analyze the association between sociodemographic variables, practice of physical activity, and the Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Method: This population-based cross-sectional study was carried out with 526 adults in a municipality of Piauí from 2018 to 2021. Sociodemographic variables, physical activity practice, and variables related to IPAQ were collected. Statistical analyzes were performed using the Fisher's Exact and Mann Whitney U tests. Results: Most participants were female, self-declared brown skin, married or in a stable union, Catholic, with high school education, job, and a mean age of 38.57 (38.6) years. Most participants (54.2%) were classified as “active” in terms of physical activity, and this variable was associated with the female gender. Other variables showed a non-significant association. Conclusion: Sociodemographic variables and the practice of physical activity are related especially when gender is considered.