Physical Activity and Body Practices developed in Primary Health Care in Brazil from 2013-2021

Abstract

Background: Physical activity and body practices (PCAF) are important strategies for health promotion, and widely recognized as a form of care within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). The aim of the study was to map records of PCAF developed in Primary Health Care in Brazil, from 2013 to 2021. Method: This cross-sectional and descriptive study used the Primary Care Health Information System (SISAB) data. Year-by-year PCAF records were presented in absolute and relative values in states, regions, and the country by team type and target audience. Results: In total, 2,664,288 PCAF actions were recorded nationally throughout the period. A growth of 19,977.5% was observed in records from 2013 to 2019, but they dropped by 75.5% from 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic. The regions that most recorded PCAF were the Southeast and Northeast, and the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, Ceará, Goiás, and Santa Catarina. PCAF actions were directed mainly at the general community, women, older adults, and people with chronic diseases. The Expanded Family Health Center and Family Health were the health teams with the most records. Conclusions: A significant increase in PCAF records was observed from 2013 to 2019. However, a substantial decrease was identified from 2020, linked to the pandemic. The distribution of actions is still unequal at the state and regional levels, which makes intersectoral strategies necessary to promote public policies and strengthen the PCAF and health promotion in the SUS.