The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has created an unprecedented impact on global health and further aggravated the physical inactivity pandemic. For this reason, the understanding of sociodemographic variables in the context of physical activity levels are important for the field of public health in order to assist in relevant public health decisions. Our main aim was to characterize sociodemographic variables and physical activity levels and their association with COVID-19 aspects. We applied an online Google survey with closed questions in Brazilian people of different age and regions, both sexes and physical activity levels (n = 1.726). Our main results were that participants who had symptoms of COVID-19 had the highest percentage of level 1 of physical activity (the lowest level according to the classification used) and those who showed no symptoms had the highest percentage of levels 2 and 3 of physical activity; that is, close to the light/moderate levels of physical activity. This cross-sectional study in the Brazilian population provided important sociodemographic data and COVID-19 aspects regarding the level of physical activity. It is possible to assume that the regular practice of physical activity could positively impact health status and quality of life and be a tool in the field of public health to cope (from a physical and mental point of view) with disease scenarios that require quarantine.

Background Sociodemographic variables may impact decision making regarding safety measures. The use and selection of adequate face masks is a safety and health measure that could help minimize the spread of COVID-19 infection. Objective This study aims to examine sociodemographic variables and factors relating to COVID-19 that could impact decision making or the choice to use or not use face masks in the prevention and care of a possible COVID-19 infection among a large sample of younger and older Brazilian people. Methods An online survey composed of 14 closed-ended questions about sociodemographic variables and COVID-19 was used. A total of 2673 participants consisted of Brazilian people (aged ≥18 years) from different states of Brazil and were grouped according to age (≤59 years and ≥60 years). To compare the variables of interest (associated with wearing a face mask or not), chi-square and likelihood ratio tests were used (with P<.05 being significant). Results Most of the participants in both groups were women from the southeast region who had postgraduate degrees. Approximately 61% (1452/2378) of individuals aged ≤59 years and 67.8% (200/295) of those aged ≥60 years were not health professionals. In the group aged ≤59 years, 83.4% (1983/2378) did not show COVID-19 signs and symptoms, and 97.3% (2314/2378) were not diagnosed with COVID-19. In the older adult group, 92.5% (273/295) did not show signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and 98.3% (290/295) were not diagnosed with the disease. The majority of the participants in both groups reported using face masks, and their decision to use face masks was influenced by the level of education and their occupation as a health professional. Conclusions Younger and older adults have worn face masks during the COVID-19 outbreak. It is difficult to measure how much of a positive impact this attitude, habit, and behavior could have on the degree of infection and spread of the disease. However, it can be a positive indicator of adherence to the population’s security and safety measures during the pandemic.

BACKGROUND Knowledge of sociodemographic variables and health behaviors may impact public and authority’s health decisions. The use of a face mask helps to decrease the spread of the COVID-19 OBJECTIVE Our aim was to present the profile of sociodemographic variables and face mask use and characteristics of COVID-19 among young and older adults METHODS An online Google survey was applied. Our sample (n=2,673) consisted of a Brazilian sample (≥ 18 years) from different regions RESULTS Most respondents, from groups ≤59 and ≥ 60 years were, respectively women, from Southeast region, and postgraduate. For groups ≤59 and ≥ 60 years, respectively, 83.4% and 92.5% no experienced symptoms and 97.3% and 98.3% no have a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19; and 61.1% and 67.8% was not health professional. Majority of the participants, for both groups, reported the use of face masks that was sig-nificantly influenced by sex, level of education, and whether the participant was a health professional or not CONCLUSIONS Young and older adults reported wearing masks during the pandemic. However, it is difficult to measure how much this could have an impact on the degree of infection and spread by the virus. CLINICALTRIAL -