Neighborhood-based physical activity differences: Evaluation of the effect of health promotion program

Abstract

IntroductionThe practice of physical activity is an important factor in the prevention of health problems. However, a small portion of the population is physically active. Recent reviews show that physical activity classes in community settings have the potential to increase population levels of physical activity and reduce health inequalities.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of the Academias da Cidade Program in Belo Horizonte on the practice of physical activity in leisure time (PALT) by non-users living near the program centers.MethodsWe conducted a home-based health survey in Belo Horizonte (2008–2009) with 1,581 adults who were non-users of the program and who lived within a 1,500-meter radius of one active program center (exposed group) and two nonoperational centers with sites reserved for their construction (unexposed group). We collected data on PALT levels (≥150 minutes/week), which was measured with the Physical Activity International Questionnaire and analyzed with binary logistic regression using the Generalized Estimating Equations method. The propensity score was used as an adjustment variable to control the potential confusion in the measures of effect of exposure studied.ResultsThe overall prevalence of the PALT was 26.5% in the exposed group and 22.7% in the unexposed group. The exposed group was more likely to be active in leisure time (OR = 1.05; CI 95%: 1.01–1.10). When considering the interaction between exposed group and distance, individuals in the exposed group who lived less than 500 meters from the program center were more likely to be active in leisure time (OR = 1.18, CI 95%: 1.03–1.35) compared to their counterparts.ConclusionPromoting physical activity in the community can favorably affect PALT levels among residents, especially those living closest to intervention centers. We believe the Academias da Cidade Program is a promising strategy to facilitate the access to appropriate spaces for the practice of physical activity and contribute to increase the levels physical activity within populations.

A multilevel model of life satisfaction among old people: individual characteristics and neighborhood physical disorder

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Adherence to Exercise Programs in Older Adults: Informative Report

“…The adoption of an active lifestyle not only depends on individual behaviors and choices, but also on the interaction between individuals, environment, and public policies (Andrade et al, 2018). Age, sex, health status, self-efficacy, motivation, and genetics are associated with physical activity (U.S.…”

Meta-avaliação de intervenções comunitárias de promoção da atividade física

“…et al 38 Andrad e et al 39 Byrne et al 30 P1-Utilidade No que se refere às abordagens avaliativas, metade dos estudos focou em resultados 29,[31][32][33]38,39 e a outra metade em processo e resultados. 28,30,[34][35][36][37] Os resultados do presente estudo apontaram que a utilização de abordagens multiestratégicas para avaliação de intervenções comunitárias de PAF ainda é restrita, uma vez que a análise da informação foi predominantemente quantitativa e com foco nos resultados.…”