Physical activity in leisure-time and perceived environment: a population-based study with adults and the elderly from Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT: Objective: The objective of the present study was to associate walking for leisure and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in leisure-time with the perception of adults and the elderly’s built, natural and social environments in Southern Brazil. Methods: It was a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in the urban area of the municipality of Rio Grande. To assess the practice of physical activity (PA), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used. To assess perception of the environment, a modified version of the Neighborhood Environmental Walkability Scale (NEWS) was used. The statistical analysis was carried out using Poisson regression, considering the effect of sampling design. Results: Of the 1,429 eligible, 1,290 (90.3%) were interviewed. Only 18.8% of the interviewees practiced walking and 23.4% practiced MVPA. The significant associations with both walking and MVPA were for receiving invitations from friends to perform PA and take walks with their dog. The practice of walking was also associated with: safety and access to public places for physical activity in the neighborhood. For MVPA, there was also an association with receiving invitations from family members to perform PA. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that social support, access to facilities and good perception of safety were associated with PA, and were more prominent for leisure walking and for women.