Factors associated with physical inactivity among women in Santos, Brazil

Sedentary living is a well‐known public health issue. However, few studies have evaluated the factors correlated with physical inactivity (PI) in a developing country setting. We examined the relationship between individual variables, socioeconomic status (SES), and environmental perceptions – distance to a place that enables physical activity ‐ with PI behavior among young women in Santos, Brazil. Using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), we measured PI behavior, which was defined as fewer than 150 minutes/week spent in moderate or vigorous physical activities. We also collected data on leisure‐time physical activity (LTPA), transportation, and environmental perceptions through home‐based interviews (n=538). Only 20.6% practiced LTPA. Walking was the most common form of LTPA (9.1%), followed by gym exercise (7.9%). Adjusting for education in the logistic regression models, PI was correlated with women over 30 years, walking as a LTPA, driving as a means of transportation, and feeling secure enough to ride a bicycle in the neighborhood (OR 0.58, 95% CI (0.38–0.89); OR 0.23, 95% CI (0.09–0.55); OR 1.80, 95% CI (1.17–2.75); OR 1.57, 95% CI (1.05– 2.35), respectively). These findings are important to better understand PI behavior in women and to promote a multilevel systematic approach for intervention strategies in developing countries. Funded by: Sao Paulo State Foundation for Research Support. Process n 2009/01361–1.