PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL AND SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF FREQUENTERS OF PUBLIC PLACES FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PERFORMANCE IN THE CITY OF JOÃO PESSOA - PB

Abstract

Objective: to examine physical activity level and the sociodemographic profile of frequenters of public places for physical activity performance in the city of Joao Pessoa - PB. Materials and methods: this was a descriptive and cross-sectional study, which included a sample of 324 adults, distributed by geographical areas in the city, aged 18 years and frequenters of public places for leisure and physical activity performance. Results: there was predominance of users residents in the north (61.5%), female (53.7%), aged between 18 and 29 years (37.3%), caucasian (45.7%), single (45.7%), education was between eight and 12 years of study (56.8%), family income between one and two minimum wages (37.3%), and there were four to six residents per household (48.8%). The highest prevalence was of people insufficiently active in leisure (59.1%), and these were concentrated mostly in the west (24.8%). Association between physical activity and sociodemographic characteristics was found to be significant with family income ( 2=3.98, p=0.04) and education level ( 2=4.24, p=0.03). No association was observed for the other variables. Conclusion: The study findings have shown the need for policies to promote the active life style in public places for physical activity performance, especially in the west and north of the city. DESCRIPTORS: Motor Activity. Life Style. Environment.