Prevalence, Patterns, and Correlates of Physical Activity Among the Adult Population in Latin America: Cross-Sectional Results from the CESCAS I Study

Abstract

Objective Few data are available on population level regarding domain-specific correlates of physical activity (PA) in Latin America. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships among PA patterns and their main sociodemographic determinants and cardiovascular risk factors in the Southern Cone of Latin America. Methods CESCAS I is a population-based prospective cohort study with a 4-stage stratified sampling of a general population of 7,524 adults aged 35–74 years from four mid-sized cities in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. PA was assessed using the transcultural adaptation of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire long form (IPAQ). The questionnaire asked about frequency (days/week) and duration (minutes/day) of moderate and vigorous intensity activities in three different domains: work, leisure time and active transportation (walking and bicycling). PA levels ≥ 600 metabolic equivalent tasks (MET) minutes/week was considered sufficiently active (SA). Odds ratios for associations of SA status with sociodemographic determinants and cardiovascular risk factors were obtained using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models. Results Almost sixty five percent (64.8%) of the participants reported ≥ 600 MET minutes/week. The lowest prevalence of sufficiently active individuals was seen in Temuco, Chile (58.0 %), among women (58.7%), older individuals (55.4%), those with higher educational level (61.6%) and homemakers (53.4%). Approximately 22.8% of the population reported no PA. In multivariable analysis, PA levels were lower among women, individuals who were older, obese, university educated, with clerical work, retired/unemployed or homemakers, and those with physical limitations. Conclusions Future interventions to increase PA levels in the Southern Cone of Latin America must take into account disparities by gender and socioeconomic status. The promotion of PA during leisure time in women –unemployed and homemakers– and of active transportation for those performing office or clerical work should be a priority in this population.

Preventable Ischaemic Heart Disease and Stroke Deaths Attributable to Insufficient Physical Activity: A Comparative Risk Assessment Analysis in the Argentinian Population

“…We found that women expended less energy than men in all age groups, mainly at expense of engaging in less intense activities. Previous research conducted in Latin America showed similar results, women were less likely to perform vigorous activities and to participate in leisure time PA and more prone to spend more time in household activities [22]. Similar patterns of PA were also described in women from developed populations [23,24].…”

Descriptive Epidemiology of Uruguayan Adults’ Leisure Time Physical Activity

“…Another study, sampling only one section of Uruguay’s population, reported differences between sexes, with the lowest scores being among women, retirees, the unemployed, and homemakers [ 16 ]. Therefore, we hypothesised that cultural and social factors, as well as the family structure or past inequalities in education opportunities, could affect women’s participation in LTPA [ 17 ].…”

Anthropometry, dietary intake, physical activity and sitting time patterns in adolescents aged 15–17 years: an international comparison in eight Latin American countries

“…Poor diet and lack of PA are key risk factors for increasing and alarming levels of obesity in LACs [7,8]. However, most evidence to date has only been available from adult populations.…”