Factors associated with physical inactivity and sedentary behavior among women living in the urban area of Santos City, Brazil

Abstract

We aimed to assess the association between individual, socioeconomic, and environmental variables and sedentary behavior and physical inactivity (PI) among urban Brazilian women of varying economic status in Santos. Through a cross-sectional design in a home-based study, we interviewed 538 women with children under 10 years. We assessed PI through two different indices: the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the physical activity time/week as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Sedentary behavior was assessed by sitting-time (>360min/week). Using adjusted logistic regression, walking and driving remained significantly correlated to IPAQ’s score (OR 0.24 95% CI 0.11; 0.50; OR 1.87 95% IC 1.25; 2.81) and to WHO’s guideline (OR 0.20 95% CI 0.08; 0.48; OR 1.77 95% CI 1.16; 2.70). Sedentary behavior was associated with having housekeeper in the household (OR 2.14 95% IC 1.31; 3.50) and perceiving as a barrier for physical activity not having money (OR 0.29 95% CI 0.12; 0.65). Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior were associated with individual, psychosocial and environmental perceptions factors among women with children. Therefore, environmental and policy interventions with multilevel approach may be considered in urban areas to promote health and to prevent obesity among maternal-infant group.