A prevalence study of walking in women from Santa Catarina state according to age group

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence of age-related walking in women from the state of Santa Catarina. The sample consisted of 2,716 women (32.97±10.9 years old) from eight cities in the state of Santa Catarina (Blumenau, Chapecó, Criciúma, Florianópolis, Itajái, Joinville, Lages, and São José). Physical activity was evaluated using the short version of the IPAQ. The sample was divided into three age groups (20-32, 33-45, and 46-59 years). Approximately 68.8% of the women met the physical activity recommendations, especially those aged 46-59 years. Regarding the prevalence of walking, 61% of the women performed it for more than 30 minutes per day. A positive association was found between age and physical activity, and women from Florianopolis, Itajaí and Lages were more likely to meet the recommendations. In conclusion, most of the participants walk for more than 30 minutes per day, regardless of age, a fact that contributes to meeting the recommendations on physical activity for health.