Self-perception of mental health, COVID-19 and associated sociodemographic-contextual factors in Latin America / Autopercepción de la salud mental, COVID-19 y factores sociodemográficos y contextuales asociados en Latinoamérica / Autopercepção da saúde mental, COVID-19 e fatores sociodemográficos e contextuais associados na América Latina

Abstract This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of alterations in self-perceived mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and their associated factors in four Latin American countries. This is a cross-sectional study based on data collected from adults in 2021 through the Collaborative Response COVID-19 Survey by the MacDonnell Academy at Washington University in St. Louis (United States). The sample was composed of 8,125 individuals from Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Chile. A generalized linear model for a binary outcome variable with a logistic link and fixed country effects was used. There were 2,336 (28.75%) individuals who considered having suffered alterations in self-perceived mental health. Unemployed individuals (OR = 1.40; 95%CI: 1.24-1.58), those with bad/regular quality of life (OR = 5.03; 95%CI: 4.01-6.31), and those with high socioeconomic status (OR = 1.66; 95%CI: 1.41-1.96) had a higher risk of self-perceived mental health alterations than those with full-time employment, excellent quality, and low socioeconomic status. According to the fixed-effects model, Brazilians living in the country during the pandemic, who disagreed with their government's decisions (OR = 2.05; 95%CI: 1.74-2.42) and lacked trust in their government (OR = 2.10; 95%CI: 1.74-2.42) had a higher risk of having self-perceived mental health alterations. Nearly 30% of respondents indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic altered their self-perceived mental health. This outcome was associated with political, sociodemographic, and health risk factors. These findings should help policymakers develop post-pandemic community interventions.

Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo estimar la prevalencia de alteraciones en la autopercepción de la salud mental durante la pandemia de COVID-19 y sus factores asociados en cuatro países de América Latina. Este es un estudio transversal de datos recopilados de adultos en el 2021 por medio de la investigación Respuesta Colaborativa a COVID-19 de la Academia McDonnell en la Universidad Washington en St. Louis (Estados Unidos). La muestra estuvo compuesta por 8.125 personas de Brasil, Colombia, México y Chile. El estudio utilizó un modelo lineal generalizado para una variable de desenlace binario con un enlace logístico y efectos fijos por país. En total, 2.336 (28,75%) personas consideraron que habían sufrido alteraciones en la autopercepción de la salud mental. Los desempleados (OR = 1,40; IC95%: 1,24-1,58), aquellos con calidad de vida mala/regular (OR = 5,03; IC95%: 4,01-6,31) y aquellos con alto nivel socioeconómico (OR = 1,66; IC95%: 1,41-1,96) presentaron mayor riesgo de alteraciones en la autopercepción de la salud mental que aquellos con empleo a tiempo completo, excelente calidad y bajo nivel socioeconómico. Según el modelo de efectos fijos, los brasileños que vivían en el país durante la pandemia y que no estuvieron de acuerdo con las decisiones del gobierno (OR = 2,05; IC95%: 1,74-2,42) y no confiaban en su gobierno (OR = 2,10; IC95%: 1,74-2,42) presentaron mayor riesgo de alteraciones en la autopercepción de la salud mental. Casi el 30% de los encuestados indicaron que la pandemia de COVID-19 alteró su autopercepción de la salud mental. Este desenlace se asoció con factores políticos, sociodemográficos y de riesgo a la salud. Estos hallazgos deben ayudar a los formuladores de políticas a desarrollar intervenciones comunitarias pospandémicas.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo estimar a prevalência de alterações na autopercepção de saúde mental durante a pandemia de COVID-19 e seus fatores associados em quatro países da América Latina. Este é um estudo transversal de dados coletados de adultos em 2021 por meio da pesquisa Resposta Colaborativa à COVID-19 da Academia McDonnell na Universidade Washington em St. Louis (Estados Unidos). A amostra foi composta por 8.125 pessoas do Brasil, Colômbia, México e Chile. O estudo utilizou um modelo linear generalizado para uma variável de desfecho binário com uma conexão logística e efeitos fixos do país. No total, 2.336 (28,75%) pessoas consideraram ter sofrido alterações na autopercepção de saúde mental. Os desempregados (OR = 1,40; IC95%: 1,24-1,58), aqueles com qualidade de vida ruim/regular (OR = 5,03; IC95%: 4,01-6,31) e aqueles com alto nível socioeconômico (OR = 1,66; IC95%: 1,41-1,96) apresentaram maior risco de alterações na autopercepção de saúde mental do que aqueles com emprego em tempo integral, excelente qualidade e baixo nível socioeconômico. De acordo com o modelo de efeitos fixos, os brasileiros que viviam no país durante a pandemia, que discordavam das decisões do governo (OR = 2,05; IC95%: 1,74-2,42) e não confiavam em seu governo (OR = 2,10; IC95%: 1,74-2,42) apresentaram maior risco de alterações na autopercepção de saúde mental. Quase 30% dos entrevistados indicaram que a pandemia da COVID-19 alterou sua autopercepção de saúde mental. Esse desfecho estava associado a fatores políticos, sociodemográficos e de risco à saúde. Estes achados devem ajudar os formuladores de políticas a desenvolver intervenções comunitárias pós-pandemia.

Status and Trends of Physical Activity Surveillance, Policy, and Research in 164 Countries: Findings From the Global Observatory for Physical Activity-GoPA! 2015 and 2020 Surveys.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) surveillance, policy, and research efforts need to be periodically appraised to gain insight into national and global capacities for PA promotion. The aim of this paper was to assess the status and trends in PA surveillance, policy, and research in 164 countries. METHODS: We used data from the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!) 2015 and 2020 surveys. Comprehensive searches were performed for each country to determine the level of development of their PA surveillance, policy, and research, and the findings were verified by the GoPA! Country Contacts. Trends were analyzed based on the data available for both survey years. RESULTS: The global 5-year progress in all 3 indicators was modest, with most countries either improving or staying at the same level. PA surveillance, policy, and research improved or remained at a high level in 48.1%, 40.6%, and 42.1% of the countries, respectively. PA surveillance, policy, and research scores decreased or remained at a low level in 8.3%, 15.8%, and 28.6% of the countries, respectively. The highest capacity for PA promotion was found in Europe, the lowest in Africa and low- and lower-middle-income countries. Although a large percentage of the world's population benefit from at least some PA policy, surveillance, and research efforts in their countries, 49.6 million people are without PA surveillance, 629.4 million people are without PA policy, and 108.7 million live in countries without any PA research output. A total of 6.3 billion people or 88.2% of the world's population live in countries where PA promotion capacity should be significantly improved. CONCLUSION: Despite PA is essential for health, there are large inequalities between countries and world regions in their capacity to promote PA. Coordinated efforts are needed to reduce the inequalities and improve the global capacity for PA promotion.

International evaluation of the Microscale Audit of Pedestrian Streetscapes (MAPS) Global instrument: comparative assessment between local and remote online observers.

OBJECTIVES: The use of online imagery by non-local observers to conduct remote, centralized collection of streetscape audit data in international studies has the potential to enhance efficiency of collection and comparability of such data for research on built environments and health. The objectives of the study were to measure (1) the consistency in responses between local in-field observers and non-local remote online observers and (2) the reliability between in-country online observers and non-local remote online observers using the Microscale Audit of Pedestrian Streetscapes Global tool to characterize pedestrian-related features along streets in five countries. METHODS: Consistency and inter-rater reliability were analyzed between local and non-local observers on a pooled database of 200 routes in five study regions (Melbourne, Australia; Ghent, Belgium; Curitiba, Brazil; Hong Kong, China; and Valencia, Spain) for microscale environmental feature subscales and item-level variables using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: A local in-field versus remote online comparison had an ICC of 0.75 (95 % CI: 0.68-0.80) for the grand total score. An ICC of 0.91 (95 % CI: 0.88-0.93) was found for the local online versus remote online comparison. Positive subscales yielded stronger results in comparison to negative subscales, except for the similarly poor-performing positive aesthetics/social characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated remote audits of microscale built environments using online imagery had good reliability with local in-field audits and excellent reliability with local online audits. Results generally supported remote online environmental audits as comparable to local online audits. This identification of low-cost and efficient data acquisition methods is important for expanding research on microscale built environments and physical activity globally.

Do associations of sex, age and education with transport and leisure-time physical activity differ across 17 cities in 12 countries?

BACKGROUND: Leisure-time and transport activity domains are studied most often because they are considered more amenable to intervention, but to date evidence on these domains is limited. The aim of the present study was to examine patterns of socio-demographic correlates of adults' leisure-time and transport physical activity and how these associations varied across 17 cities in 12 countries. METHODS: Participants (N = 13,745) aged 18-66 years in the IPEN Adult study and with complete data on socio-demographic and self-reported physical activity characteristics were included. Participants reported frequency and duration of leisure-time and transport activities in the last 7 days using the self-administered International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form. Six physical activity outcomes were examined in relation with age, education, and sex, and analyses explored variations by city and curvilinear associations. RESULTS: Sex had the most consistent results, with five of six physical activity outcomes showing females were less active than males. Age had the most complex associations with self-report transport and leisure-time physical activity. Compared to older people, younger adults were less likely to engage in transport physical activity, but among those who did, younger people were likely to engage in more active minutes. Curvilinear associations were found between age and all three leisure-time physical activity outcomes, with the youngest and the oldest being more active. Positive associations with education were found for leisure-time physical activity only. There were significant interactions of city with sex and education for multiple physical activity outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Although socio-demographic correlates of physical activity are widely studied, the present results provide new information. City-specific findings suggest there will be value in conducting more detailed case studies. The curvilinear associations of age with leisure-time physical activity as well as significant interactions of leisure-time activity with sex and education should be further investigated. The findings of lower leisure-time physical activity among females as well as people with low education suggest that greater and continued efforts in physical activity policies and programs tailored to these high-risk groups are needed internationally.

Iniquities in the built environment related to physical activity in public school neighborhoods in Curitiba, Paraná State, Brazil. / Iniquidades do ambiente construído relacionado à atividade física no entorno de escolas públicas de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil.

This study aimed to investigate the association between the characteristics of the environment related to physical activity and income in areas around schools in Curitiba, Paraná State, Brazil. A total of 888 street segments were audited with a systematic observation instrument in three sections (Routes, Segments, and Crossings) in a radius of 500 meters around 30 public schools. The total score was the sum of the sections. Data on income in the school neighborhood were obtained from the 2010 Population Census, and the linear distance from each school to the city center was calculated. Multilevel models (level one = segment; level two = school) were applied to the analysis, with estimates of weighted means and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). In the crude analysis, the highest variability between schools was observed in the Segments section (ICC = 0.41) and the lowest in the Routes section (ICC = 0.19). The street segments located around schools in the lowest income tertile reach an adjusted mean total score of 15.6 (95%CI: 13.0-18.3), nearly half of that in those with the highest income, which reached 30.7 points (95%CI; 28.0-33.5), with a significant difference between the tertiles (p < 0.001). The score for the more central areas of the city was 30.1 (95%CI: 26.9-33.4), significantly higher (p < 0.001) than for the more peripheral areas, where the score was 16.3 (95%CI: 12.8-19.8). The characteristics of the environment assessed by the Routes and Segments sections, in addition to the total score, were associated with the lowest income. An environment with worse quality in lower income areas is one of the iniquities that needs to be faced in Brazil's metropolises in order to help improve the people's health.

Iniquidades do ambiente construído relacionado à atividade física no entorno de escolas públicas de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil / Inequidades del ambiente construido, relacionado con la actividad física, en el entorno de escuelas públicas de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil / Iniquities in the built environment related to physical activity in public school neighborhoods in Curitiba, Paraná State, Brazil

Resumo: O objetivo do estudo foi investigar a associação entre as características do ambiente relacionado à atividade física com a renda em áreas de entorno escolar em Curitiba, Paraná. Foram auditados 888 segmentos de rua com um instrumento de observação sistemática em três seções (Rotas, Segmentos e Cruzamentos) no raio de 500 metros ao redor de 30 escolas públicas. O escore total foi a soma das seções. Dados de renda do entorno escolar foram obtidos do Censo Demográfico de 2010, e a distância linear de cada escola até o centro da cidade foi calculada. Modelos multiníveis (nível um segmento e nível dois escola) foram aplicados na análise, com estimativas de médias ponderadas e correlações intraclasse (ICC). Na análise bruta, a maior variabilidade entre as escolas foi observada na seção Segmentos (ICC = 0,41), e a menor, na seção Rotas (ICC = 0,19). Os segmentos de rua localizados no entorno de escolas do primeiro tercil de renda alcançaram uma média ajustada de 15,6 (IC95%: 13,0-18,3) no escore total, quase metade daqueles de renda maior, que atingiram 30,7 (IC95%: 28,0-33,5) pontos, com diferença significativa entre os tercis (p < 0,001). O escore das áreas mais centrais foi 30,1 (IC95%: 26,9-33,4), significativamente maior (p < 0,001) se comparado àquelas mais periféricas em que a pontuação foi 16,3 (IC95%: 12,8-19,8). As características do ambiente avaliadas nas seções Rotas e Segmentos, além do escore total, mostraram-se associadas com a menor renda. Ambiente de pior qualidade em áreas de menor renda é uma das iniquidades que precisa ser enfrentada nas metrópoles brasileiras e que pode contribuir para a melhoria da saúde das pessoas.

Resumen: El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la asociación entre las características del ambiente relacionado con la actividad física, con la renta en áreas del entorno escolar en Curitiba, Paraná. Se auditaron 888 segmentos de calle con un instrumento de observación sistemática en tres secciones (Rutas, Segmentos y Cruces) en un radio de 500 metros alrededor de 30 escuelas públicas. El marcador total fue la suma de las secciones. Los datos de renta del entorno escolar se obtuvieron del Censo Demográfico de 2010, y se calculó la distancia lineal de cada escuela hasta el centro de la ciudad. Modelos multiniveles (nivel uno segmento y nivel dos escuela) se aplicaron en el análisis, con estimativas de medias ponderadas y correlaciones intraclase (ICC). En el análisis bruto, la mayor variabilidad entre las escuelas se observó en la sección Segmentos (ICC = 0,41), y la menor, en la sección Rutas (ICC = 0,19). Los segmentos de calle, localizados en el entorno de escuelas del primer tercil de renta, alcanzaron una media ajustada de 15,6 (IC95%: 13,0-18,3) en el marcador total, casi la mitad de aquellos de renta mayor, que alcanzaron 30,7 (IC95%: 28,0-33,5) puntos, con diferencia significativa entre los terciles (p < 0,001). El marcador de las áreas más centrales fue 30,1 (IC95%: 26,9-33,4), significativamente mayor (p < 0,001), si se compara a aquellas más periféricas, donde la puntuación fue 16,3 (IC95%: 12,8-19,8). Las características del ambiente evaluadas en las secciones Rutas y Segmentos, además del marcador total, se mostraron asociadas con una menor renta. Un ambiente de peor calidad en áreas de menor renta es una de las inequidades contra las que se necesita luchar en las metrópolis brasileñas y que puede contribuir a la mejora de la salud de las personas.

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the association between the characteristics of the environment related to physical activity and income in areas around schools in Curitiba, Paraná State, Brazil. A total of 888 street segments were audited with a systematic observation instrument in three sections (Routes, Segments, and Crossings) in a radius of 500 meters around 30 public schools. The total score was the sum of the sections. Data on income in the school neighborhood were obtained from the 2010 Population Census, and the linear distance from each school to the city center was calculated. Multilevel models (level one = segment; level two = school) were applied to the analysis, with estimates of weighted means and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). In the crude analysis, the highest variability between schools was observed in the Segments section (ICC = 0.41) and the lowest in the Routes section (ICC = 0.19). The street segments located around schools in the lowest income tertile reach an adjusted mean total score of 15.6 (95%CI: 13.0-18.3), nearly half of that in those with the highest income, which reached 30.7 points (95%CI; 28.0-33.5), with a significant difference between the tertiles (p < 0.001). The score for the more central areas of the city was 30.1 (95%CI: 26.9-33.4), significantly higher (p < 0.001) than for the more peripheral areas, where the score was 16.3 (95%CI: 12.8-19.8). The characteristics of the environment assessed by the Routes and Segments sections, in addition to the total score, were associated with the lowest income. An environment with worse quality in lower income areas is one of the iniquities that needs to be faced in Brazil's metropolises in order to help improve the people's health.

Evidence-based decision making and promotion of physical activity among directors of local health departments.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the steps involved in evidence-based decision making for the implementation of programs aimed at the promotion of physical activity. METHODS: It is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with quali-quantitative approach, held with municipal health secretaries chosen deliberately by regional health representatives of the state of Paraná. A total of 27 secretaries participated in a telephone interview consisting of 17 open questions. Content analysis was conducted according to the categories of an evidence-based decision-making model consisting of seven steps. RESULTS: None of the participants employed every step of the evidence-based decision-making model. The steps that were most often mentioned included: evaluation of the program (33.3%), use of evidence from the literature (22.2%) and identification of the problem (22.2%). The steps that were reported the least included: quantification of the problem (14.8%), development and prioritization of actions (14.8%), development of the plan of action (14.8%) and evaluation of the community (3.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The use of evidence-based decision making in the context of the promotion of physical activity was shown to be incipient among the health secretaries of the state of Paraná. We suggest widening dissemination and training on the use of evidence-based decision making among municipal administrators to increase the effectiveness of actions for promotion of physical activity.

Evidence-based decision making and promotion of physical activity among directors of local health departments / Tomada de decisão baseada em evidências e promoção da atividade física entre secretários municipais de saúde

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To describe the steps involved in evidence-based decision making for the implementation of programs aimed at the promotion of physical activity. METHODS It is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with quali-quantitative approach, held with municipal health secretaries chosen deliberately by regional health representatives of the state of Paraná. A total of 27 secretaries participated in a telephone interview consisting of 17 open questions. Content analysis was conducted according to the categories of an evidence-based decision-making model consisting of seven steps. RESULTS None of the participants employed every step of the evidence-based decision-making model. The steps that were most often mentioned included: evaluation of the program (33.3%), use of evidence from the literature (22.2%) and identification of the problem (22.2%). The steps that were reported the least included: quantification of the problem (14.8%), development and prioritization of actions (14.8%), development of the plan of action (14.8%) and evaluation of the community (3.7%). CONCLUSIONS The use of evidence-based decision making in the context of the promotion of physical activity was shown to be incipient among the health secretaries of the state of Paraná. We suggest widening dissemination and training on the use of evidence-based decision making among municipal administrators to increase the effectiveness of actions for promotion of physical activity.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Descrever o emprego das etapas da tomada de decisões baseada em evidências para implementação de programas de promoção da atividade física. MÉTODOS Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, transversal, com abordagem quali-quantitativa, realizado com secretários municipais de saúde escolhidos intencionalmente por representantes das regionais de saúde do estado do Paraná. Ao todo, 27 secretários participaram de uma entrevista telefônica composta por 17 questões abertas. A análise de conteúdo foi conduzida segundo as categorias de um modelo de tomada de decisões baseada em evidências composto de sete etapas . RESULTADOS Nenhum dos participantes empregou todas as etapas do modelo de tomada de decisões baseada em evidências. As etapas mais mencionadas foram: avaliação do programa (33,3%), uso de evidências da literatura (22,2%) e identificação do problema (22,2%). As etapas menos reportadas foram: quantificação do problema (14,8%), desenvolvimento e priorização de ações (14,8%), desenvolvimento do plano de ação (14,8%) e avaliação da comunidade (3,7%). CONCLUSÕES O emprego da tomada de decisões baseada em evidências no contexto da promoção da atividade física apresentou-se incipiente entre os secretários de saúde do estado do Paraná. Sugere-se ampliar a disseminação e o treinamento para o uso de tomada de decisões baseada em evidências entre os gestores municipais a fim de ampliar a efetividade das ações de promoção da atividade física.

Results from a psychometric assessment of a new tool for measuring evidence-based decision making in public health organizations.

BACKGROUND: In order to better understand how to improve evidence-based decision making (EBDM) in state health departments, measurement tools are needed to evaluate changes in EBDM. The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties of a new measurement tool to assess EBDM in public health practice settings. METHODS: A questionnaire was developed, pilot-tested and refined in an iterative process with the input of public health practitioners with the aim of identifying a set of specific measures representing different components of EBDM. Data were collected in a national survey of state health department chronic disease practitioners. The final dataset (n=879) for psychometric testing was comprised of 19 EBDM items that were first examined using exploratory factor analysis, and then confirmatory factor analysis. RESULTS: The final model from confirmatory factor analysis includes five latent factors representing components of EBDM: capacity for evaluation, expectations and incentives for EBDM, access to evidence and resources for EBDM, participatory decision making, and leadership support and commitment. CONCLUSIONS: This study addresses the need for empirically tested and theory-aligned measures that may be used to assess the extent to which EBDM is currently implemented, and further, to gauge the success of strategies to improve EBDM, in public health settings. This EBDM measurement tool may help identify needed supports for enhanced capacity and implementation of effective strategies.

Effectiveness of a scaled up physical activity intervention in Brazil: A natural experiment.

Physical inactivity causes 5.3 million deaths annually worldwide. We evaluated the impact on population leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) of scaling up an intervention in Brazil, Academia das Cidades program (AC-P). AC-P is a health promotion program classified as physical activity classes in community settings which started in the state of Pernambuco state in 2008. We surveyed households from 80 cities of Pernambuco state in 2011, 2012 and 2013, using monitoring data to classify city-level exposure to AC-P. We targeted 2370 individuals in 2011; 3824 individuals in 2012; and 3835 individuals in 2013. We measured participation in AC-P and whether respondents had seen an AC-P activity or heard about AC-P. We measured LTPA using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. We estimated the odds of reaching recommended LTPA by levels of exposure to the three AC-P measures. For women, the odds of reaching recommended LTPA were 1.10 for those living in cities with AC-P activity for less than three years, and 1.46 for those living in cities with AC-P activity for more than three years compared to those living in cities that had not adopted AC-P. The odds of reaching recommended LTPA increased with AC-P participation and knowledge about AC-P. AC-P exposure is associated with increased population LTPA. Extending AC-P to all cities could potentially impact non-communicable diseases in Brazil.

Neighborhood environments and objectively measured physical activity in 11 countries.

PURPOSE: Environmental changes are potentially effective population-level physical activity (PA) promotion strategies. However, robust multisite evidence to guide international action for developing activity-supportive environments is lacking. We estimated pooled associations of perceived environmental attributes with objectively measured PA outcomes, between-site differences in such associations, and the extent to which perceived environmental attributes explain between-site differences in PA. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 16 cities located in Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, China, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, United Kingdom, and United States of America. Participants were 6968 adults residing in administrative units stratified by socioeconomic status and transport-related walkability. Predictors were 10 perceived neighborhood environmental attributes. Outcome measures were accelerometry-assessed weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and meeting the PA guidelines for cancer/weight gain prevention (420 min·wk of MVPA). RESULTS: Most perceived neighborhood attributes were positively associated with the PA outcomes in the pooled, site-adjusted, single-predictor models. Associations were generalizable across geographical locations. Aesthetics and land use mix-access were significant predictors of both PA outcomes in the fully adjusted models. Environmental attributes accounted for within-site variability in MVPA, corresponding to an SD of 3 min·d or 21 min·wk. Large between-site differences in PA outcomes were observed; 15.9%-16.8% of these differences were explained by perceived environmental attributes. All neighborhood attributes were associated with between-site differences in the total effects of the perceived environment on PA outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Residents' perceptions of neighborhood attributes that facilitate walking were positively associated with objectively measured MVPA and meeting the guidelines for cancer/weight gain prevention at the within- and between-site levels. Associations were similar across study sites, lending support for international recommendations for designing PA-friendly built environments.

Promoting physical activity and quality of life in Vitoria, Brazil: evaluation of the Exercise Orientation Service (EOS) program.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate associations between exposure to the Exercise Orientation Service (EOS) program and physical activity (PA) and quality of life (QoL) in adults from Vitoria, Brazil. METHODS: A phone survey was conducted with 2023 randomly selected participants (≥ 18 years) to measure awareness about the program, participation in the program, PA levels, and QoL. The associations were tested using Poisson and Linear regression models. RESULTS: 31.5% reported awareness about the program, 1.5% reported current participation, and 5.8% reported previous participation. Participation was higher among women (2.1%), older subjects (2.8%), and those reporting morbidities (2.4%). Awareness was higher among middle-aged persons (36.0%) and highly educated participants (37.1%). Current participation (PR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.65-2.99) and awareness (PR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.02-1.30) were associated with leisure-time PA (LTPA). CONCLUSION: Exposure to the program was not associated with QoL but was consistently associated with sufficient levels of LTPA among adults from Vitoria, Brazil.

Walkability and physical activity: findings from Curitiba, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Evidence from developing countries is limited on how income level for a given neighborhood is related to physical activity among its residents. PURPOSE: The goal of the study was to examine the association between walkability and physical activity outcomes, and the effect of income on the relationship between walkability and physical activity in adults. METHODS: The Spaces for Physical Activity in Adults Study (ESPACOS Project) took place in Curitiba, Brazil. Data were collected in 2010 in 32 census tracts selected to vary in income and walkability, as measured by GIS. Participants were 697 individuals aged 18-65 years (52.0% were women) randomly sampled from the selected neighborhoods. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to measure physical activity. All analyses were conducted in 2012. RESULTS: The proportion of those who walked for transportation for ≥ 150 minutes/week was 21.1% in low-walkability areas, and ranged from 33.5% to 35.0% in high-walkability areas. A total of 12.6% of residents were found to walk for leisure for ≥ 150 minutes/week; this result did not vary across quadrants of walkability and income level. The prevalence of leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was 7.1-10.5 percentage points higher in high-compared to low-walkability areas. After adjusting for all individual confounders, walkability showed an independent association with walking for transport (OR=2.10, 95% CI=1.31, 3.37, p=0.002) and leisure-time MVPA (OR=1.57, 95% CI=1.06, 2.32, p=0.024). Neighborhood income level was independently associated with leisure-time MVPA (OR=1.70, 95% CI=1.06, 2.74, p=0.029). No association was found between walkability and walking for leisure. No interaction was found between walkability and neighborhood income level. CONCLUSIONS: This study, among adults living in Curitiba, Brazil, confirms findings from studies of high-income countries showing that walkability is positively associated with physical activity. People living in high-walkability areas were more likely to be physically active regardless of their neighborhood income level.

Neighborhood safety and physical inactivity in adults from Curitiba, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Neighborhood safety is one of the environmental aspects that can influence physical activity. We analyzed the association between perceived neighborhood safety and physical inactivity (PI) in adults and examined effect modification according to sociodemographic variables. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,261 adults (62% women), age 18-69 years from Curitiba, Brazil. RESULTS: The perception of unsafe neighborhood was higher among women, older participants, those classified in the high socioeconomic (SES) group, overweighed and also among those reporting to have PA equipments and children. The association between perception safety of walking during the day and walking for leisure (women PR=1.12 CI95%=1.02-1.22; men PR=0.82 CI95%=0.64-1.05; interaction term PR=1.38 CI95%=1.03-1.83) and safe perception was associated with PI, just in the highest SES group (PR=1.09; CI95%=1.00-1.19; p trend=0.032) when compared with their counterparts (low SES PR=0.99; CI95%=0.90-1.04; p trend=0.785; interaction term PR=1.09; CI95%=1.03-1.15; p trend=0.007). CONCLUSION: The perception of safety in the neighborhood was associated with PI in transport, but this association varies across of sociodemographic variables.

Association between physical activity in parks and perceived environment: a study with adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between adolescents' physical activity practice and their perception about the environment of urban parks. METHODS: A school-based representative sample (n = 1,718; boys = 40.4%) of teenagers of Curitiba, Southern region of Brazil. A questionnaire was employed to identify perceived parks environmental features as well as physical activity practice in the parks (PAP), habitual physical activity (HPA) and demographics. The relationship between PAP and parks environments was analyzed through multivariate logistic regression controlling for age and socioeconomic status, HPA and parks distance. RESULTS: After controlling for confounders PAP was associated with lack of space to be physically active, activities to choose from and equipments for both boys and girls, (odds ratio (OR)-ranging from 1.5 to 1.8). Among boys, having people of same age (OR = 1.5) and accessibility (OR = 2.0) showed association with PAP only in crude analysis. However, among girls, to be bulled or teased (OR = 1.4) and accessibility (OR = 1.7) were associated with PAP after confounding control. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that specific attributes in parks may be considered and offered to increase the likelihood of physical activity practice among adolescents in such locations.

Prevalência de lesões em corredores de rua e fatores associados / Prevalence of injuries and associated factors among street runners

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a prevalência de lesões esportivas e os fatores associados em corredores de rua por meio de um inquérito de morbidade referida. Os participantes foram selecionados por convite e por voluntariedade entre os corredores do Circuito de Ruas da Cidade de Curitiba-PR. Foram entrevistados 295 indivíduos (77,3 por cento homens). As prevalências foram descritas de acordo com as variáveis de estudo e a regressão de Poisson foi utilizada para testar as associações (p < 0,05). A prevalência de lesões nos últimos seis meses foi de 28,5 por cento (29,8 e 23,9 por cento para homens e mulheres, respectivamente). Maior prevalência de lesões foi observada na faixa etária dos 30,1 aos 45 anos (32,8 por cento), para aqueles com sobrepeso/obesidade (35,2 por cento), para mulheres que treinam mais do que 30 min/dia (31,3 por cento) e homens que treinam mais que 60 min/dia (34,2 por cento). Nenhuma das variáveis investigadas apresentou associação com o relato de lesões. A maior parte dos indivíduos lesionados (60,5 por cento) permaneceu menos de três meses afastada, sendo maior a probabilidade dessa ocorrência (RP: 2,44; IC95 por cento: 0,99-6,06; p = 0,05) para aqueles com volumes de treino entre 31 e 60 min/dia. Conclui-se que a prevalência de lesões foi de aproximadamente 1/3 nos homens e 1/4 nas mulheres. As variáveis investigadas não apresentaram associação com a prevalência de lesões entre os participantes de corrida de rua e a gravidade destas está associada ao volume de treino.

The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of sports-related injuries and associated factors in street runners through a referred morbidity survey. Participants were selected by invitation and by volunteering among the runners from the Curitiba City Street Running Circuit during the months of September to November. 295 runners were interviewed (77.3 percent men). Prevalence rates were described accordingly to the study variables and Poisson regression was employed to test associations (p/