Health Academy Program and physical activity levels in Brazilian state capitals

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of a community-based physical activity program, the Health Academy Program (Academia da Saúde or PAS), on leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among the population living at the Brazilian state capitals. We pooled individual data from the National Surveillance for Protective and Risk Factors for Chronic Diseases (VIGITEL) between 2006 and 2016 and estimated odds ratios according to levels of exposure by using a multilevel logistic regression. Total sample was composed of 572,437 individuals. In the initial model, chances of reaching sufficient LTPA was 1.20 (95%CI: 1.16-1.25) times higher among individuals exposed since 2011. In the analyses adjusted for year, sex, age and education, this probability was only 1.04 (95%CI: 1.00-1.08) times higher among exposed individuals. Odds of reaching recommended LTPA was 1.09 (95%CI: 1.04-1.15) times higher among women exposed since 2011 as compared to women in the control group with no exposure. No other statistically significant results were found. We conclude that the PAS cannot substantially affect whole populations. Yet it is possible to visualize a positive influence of the program on specific subgroups, pointing to its potential to reduce gender inequity in LTPA practice. We recommend more tailored interventions before indistinctively scaling up the program, as well as we suggest better monitoring for large scale evaluations.

All are equal, but some are more equal than others: Social determinants of leisure time physical activity through the lens of intersectionality

“…We explored the intersectional principle of multiple social jeopardy, which suggests that in Brazil physical activity promotion should address inequalities and be shaped by the intersection of gender, race and socioeconomic position. (27,34,37), current policies of austerity in place in Brazil are a constant threat to the consolidation of this program (38,39).…”

Effects of Reallocating Time Spent Engaging in Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity on Mortality in Older Adults: ELSIA Study

“…These findings may be important in the preparation of recommendations for PA and SB for elderly populations. However, it is necessary to be cautious with the interpretation and implementation of specific measures, since other public measures implemented in Brazil have not shown positive results for the increase in PA practice; consequently, not demonstrating its health potential [ 47 ]. The number of people who have been engaging in leisure-time physical activity in Brazil has grown annually since 2006, with a greater increase among women and younger adults.…”

A Atenção Primária em Saúde como cenário de práticas de promoção da saúde: Revisão integrativa

“…Abordagem da PS utilizada Prática de atividade física [13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Comportamental/adoção de hábitos saudáveis Promoção da Saúde para portadores de condições crônicas [20][21][22][23][24] Comportamental/adoção de hábitos saudáveis Práticas Integrativas e Complementares -PICS 14,[25][26][27] Comportamental/adoção de hábitos saudáveis; Reformista Participativa Conjunto heterogêneo de práticas de Promoção da Saúde [28][29][30] Comportamental/adoção de hábitos saudáveis; Reformista Participativa Alimentação saudável [31][32] Comportamental/adoção de hábitos saudáveis Práticas de educação em saúde para gestantes [33][34] Comportamental/adoção de hábitos saudáveis Educação em saúde para a mudança de estilos de vida [35][36] Comportamental/adoção de hábitos saudáveis Promoção da Saúde sexual e reprodutiva [37][38] Comportamental/adoção de hábitos saudáveis Promoção da Saúde e a participação social [39][40] Reformista Participativa…”

“…Por fim, estudos demonstram que oferecer espaços, estrutura, apoio e orientação para a realização de práticas de PS é fundamental para que elas ocorram 15,19 . A presença de academias da saúde, montadas no território de atuação da equipe de APS/ESF, foi imprescindível para que os usuários passassem a realizar atividade física (15) .…”

“…A presença de academias da saúde, montadas no território de atuação da equipe de APS/ESF, foi imprescindível para que os usuários passassem a realizar atividade física (15) . Outro estudo evidenciou maior chance de se atingir os níveis de atividade física diários suficientes nos locais em que o Programa Academia da Saúde estava presente 19 .…”