Race-ethnicity differences in physical activity in Brazilian state capitals: an analysis of the 2023 Vigitel survey

Abstract

Objective: To assess race-ethnicity differences in physical activity practice among adults in Brazilian state capitals. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey 2023 (18-59 years). Physical activity practice was analyzed across four domains (leisure, occupational, commuting, and household) based on self-report. The Chi-square test assessed differences across race-ethnicity groups (Mixed-race, White, Black). Results: The sample (n = 14,402; 53% women; 45% with 9-11 years of education) was predominantly composed of Mixed-race (46%), White (38%), and Black (14%) individuals. Significant differences were observed across all physical activity domains, with a higher proportion of White individuals engaging in leisure-time physical activity, while Black and Mixed-race individuals had a higher proportion of all other domains. Regarding the intersection of ethnicity and education, significant differences were observed across all race-ethnicity groups in the leisure and occupational domains, individuals with higher education levels (≥12 years) had a greater proportion of leisure-time physical activity and a lower proportion of occupational-related physical activity. Conclusions: The findings reveal race-ethnicity disparities in physical activity practice, with White individuals engaging more in leisure-time activities and Black and Mixed-race individuals participating more in household, commuting, and occupational-related activities. Regardless of ethnicity, those with higher education levels reported greater engagement in leisure-time activities and less engagement in occupational-related activities. Future research should focus on better un-derstanding and reducing these disparities through public policies addressing the intersection of ethnicity and education in access to leisure activities, in particular.