Adult physical activity level: association with schooling, income and distance from open public spaces in Criciúma, Santa Catarina

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between the level of physical activity with education and income of adults and distance from open public spaces in Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil. A questionnaire was applied to assess the profile of the Criciumense population and the assessment of spaces was carried out in loco using the Physical Activity Resource Assessment – PARA instrument. 100 spaces were identified and 820 residents of both sexes were interviewed. It was found that 74.9% of the population does not reach the minimum recommendation of weekly physical activity. The education variable showed a positive association with the level of physical activity. It is concluded that there is a need to develop strategies that encourage active behaviors and reformulation of public policies for the use of public spaces, promoting a healthy city.