Urban environment and sociodemographic factors in physical activity among adults and older adults
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12820/rbafs.31e0466Keywords:
Physical activity, Built environment, Aging, Active mobility, Health promotionAbstract
Introduction: Insufficient physical activity is a public health challenge as it may be associated with an increased risk of chronic noncommunicable conditions and reduced perception of quality of life. Although environmental and sociodemographic factors influence physical activity, studies in cities in the Brazilian countryside remain limited. Objective: To analyze the relationship between perceived urban environment, sociodemographic factors, and physical activity among adults and older adults living in the urban area of Santa Cruz, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study with a quantitative approach was conducted with 229 participants. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and environmental perception was evaluated using the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS). Descriptive analyses, correlations, the Student’s t test, and multiple linear regression were performed (p < 0.05). Results: No correlations were observed between physical activity, age, and perceived urban environment, nor were differences in physical activity observed between adults and older adults (p > 0.05). In the multiple linear regression analysis, satisfaction with the environment (β = -142.52; 95% CI: -236.90 to -48.14; p = 0.003), age group (β = -156.47; 95% CI: -273.16 to -39.79; p = 0.009), and income (β = -230.93; 95% CI: -420.47 to -41.39; p = 0.017) remained associated with physical activity. Conclusion: Sociodemographic factors and perceived urban environment were associated with physical activity, suggesting the multifactorial nature of physically active behavior in urban contexts.
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