Prevalence of and Factors Associated With High Blood Pressure at 15 Years of Age: A Birth Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Arterial hypertension is the greatest cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with high blood pressure (HBP) among adolescents. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Pelotas 2004 Birth Cohort included 4231 newborns from hospital births in Pelotas, Brazil. A digital automatic OMRON sphygmomanometer (model HEM 742) was used to measure blood pressure on 3 occasions (at 6, 11, and 15 years of age). Those with blood pressure ≥95th percentile for age, height, and sex on each of the 3 occasions were considered as presenting HBP. Independent variables included family (income and history of arterial hypertension), maternal (schooling, age, pregestational body mass index, and smoking during pregnancy), and adolescent characteristics at birth (sex, skin color, gestational age, intrauterine growth, and systolic and diastolic genetic factors), and at 15 years (sleep, physical activity, sodium intake, screen time, work, body mass index, fat mass index, fat-free mass index, growth pattern, and puberty status). The prevalence of HBP (95% CI) was calculated. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) stratified by sex were obtained by logistic regression. A total of 1417 adolescents with complete information on blood pressure on the 3 occasions were analyzed. The prevalence of HBP was 3.2% (95% CI, 1.9%-4.5%) in female adolescents and 4.3% (95% CI, 2.8%-5.8%) in male adolescents. Female adolescents with a family history of arterial hypertension had a 3 times higher chance of HBP than their counterparts (OR, 3.1 [95% CI, 1.26-7.54]). In male adolescents, excessive maternal pregestational weight was associated with a 2.3-fold increase in the chance of HBP. In both sexes, excessive adolescent weight was associated with HBP (ORs, 3.5 and 5.0, for female and male adolescents, respectively). A higher fat mass index and fat-free mass index in female (ORs, 1.4 and 1.2, respectively) and male adolescents (ORs, 2.5 and 3.0, respectively) increased the chance of HBP. Among male adolescents, the chance of HBP was higher among those with rapid weight gain between 48 months and 6 years and between 6 and 11 years and rapid height gain between 6 and 11 years. CONCLUSIONS: Higher fat mass in both sexes and rapid weight gain in male adolescents are risk factors for HBP in adolescents aged 15 years, potentially amenable to prevention.

Suicides in Brazilian Federal Highway Police: A retrospective study with 20-years' data (2001-2020).

BACKGROUND: To assess the incidence of suicides among Brazilian Federal Highway Police Officers (FHPO) between 2001 and 2020, as well as to describe their sociodemographic and occupational profile. METHODS: A retrospective study analyzed all suicides among FHPO of all Brazilian states between 2001 and 2020 based on personalized police record files. RESULTS: The average suicide rate was 18.7/100,000 persons per year. A total of 35 suicides were identified, of which 33 (91.4%) were by firearm. Most FHPO who died by suicide were male (94.3%), under the age of 40 (62.9%), working for 10 or more years (57.1%), married (65.7%), parents (68.6%), had health insurance (77.1%), and worked in alternating shifts (54.2%). CONCLUSION: The suicide rate among FHPO is high. Due to missing data on age and gender, standardized rates were not reported in the current study, therefore a careful interpretation of the rates reported should be considered.

Mortality in Brazilian federal highway police officers: time series from 2001 to 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the mortality trend from all causes in Brazilian federal highway police officers from 2001 to 2020. METHODS: This is an ecological time-series study based on mortality official data from the Brazilian federal highway police registry system and death certificates from the federal registry system. Deaths of active police officers from 2001 to 2020 were assessed. We performed a descriptive analysis reporting proportions and incidence rates per 1,000 police officers. The chi-square test was used for bivariate analyzes and Prais-Winsten regression was used for trend analysis. RESULTS: Among 346 deaths, 146 were from natural and 189 from unnatural causes (11 were from undefined causes). Most deaths occurred among police officers who were men (n = 333; 96.3%), over 35 years old (n = 265; 76.6%), whose service time was up to 15 years (n = 185; 53.5%), living in Northeast Brazil, and from unnatural causes (n = 189; 56.4%). The absolute number of deaths presented a decreasing trend throughout the series (p = -0.78; 95%CI: -1.03 to -0.5). Traffic accidents (n = 96; 28.7%), cardiovascular diseases (n = 58; 17.3%), interpersonal violence (n = 51; 15.2%), suicides (n = 35; 10.5%), and malignant neoplasms (n = 35; 10.4%) were the main causes of death. Most natural deaths occurred among police officers who were 51-73 years old (68.3%; 95%CI: 58.6 to 76.7) and worked more than 26 years (64.7%; 95%CI: 52.7 to 75.1), while most unnatural deaths occurred among officers who were 19-35 years old (87.3%; 95%CI: 78.0 to 93.1) and worked up to 15 years (70.2%; 95%CI: 63.1 to 76.4). CONCLUSION: The mortality trend in Brazilian federal highway police officers decreased within the period studied. Understanding mortality causes may help to develop policies for disease prevention and health protection of police officers.

Knee, low back and disabling pain and their associated factors in instructors of gym clubs: a census study / Fatores associados às dores no joelho, na lombar e incapacitante em instrutores de academias de ginástica: um estudo censitário

Abstract Background Although gym club instructors are closely linked to health and well-being, this group of workers shows specific characteristics that may favor the involvement in musculoskeletal disorders in their occupational routines. Objective To identify the prevalence of knee, low back, and disabling pain and their association with sociodemographic, nutritional, and occupational variables in instructors from gym clubs in the city of Pelotas, southern Brazil. Method A census-type study was carried out with all professionals working at gym clubs (n=497). Crude and multivariable analyses were performed considering "sex", "age", "income", "occupational physical activity", "time working at the gym clubs" and "modality performed" as exposures. Outcomes were disabling pain, and knee and low back pain. Results The disabling pain affected 20.9% of the workers and was associated with the gym clubs modality performed and with the working longest time in the gym clubs. Half of the professionals related to low back pain in the previous year. This outcome was associated with the age (inversely), of females and Pilates instructors. The knee pains affected, in the last year, 41.5% of the professionals; there was a significant association between age (inversely) and time of work in the gym clubs. Conclusion The instructors had a high prevalence of the three outcomes analyzed. Those who have been working longer time at gym clubs, women, youngers, Pilates, or gymnastic instructors were at an increased risk of presenting the outcomes.

Resumo Introdução Embora os instrutores de academias de ginástica estejam ligados à saúde e ao bem-estar, esse grupo de trabalhadores apresenta características específicas que podem favorecer o surgimento de distúrbios osteomusculares em suas rotinas ocupacionais. Objetivo Verificar a prevalência de dor no joelho, dor lombar e dor incapacitante e sua associação com variáveis sociodemográficas, nutricional e ocupacionais em instrutores de academias de ginástica da cidade de Pelotas, Brasil. Método Censo realizado com todos os profissionais atuantes nas academias da cidade (n=497). Foi realizada análise bruta e ajustada (regressão de Poisson), considerando as variáveis de exposição "sexo", "idade", "renda", "atividade física ocupacional", "anos de trabalho como profissional de academia" e "modalidade ministrada". As variáveis desfecho foram dor no joelho, dor lombar e dor incapacitante. Resultados A dor incapacitante acometeu 20,9% dos profissionais e esteve associada com a função de ministrar aulas de ginástica e com o maior tempo de trabalho em academia. Metade dos entrevistados referiu sentir dor lombar no último ano, sendo associado à idade (inversamente), ao sexo feminino e ministrar aulas de Pilates. A dor no joelho acometeu, no último ano, 41,5% dos profissionais, havendo associação significativa com a idade (inversamente) e o tempo de trabalho em academia. Conclusão Conclui-se que os instrutores das academias de ginástica tiveram uma alta prevalência dos três desfechos analisados. O tempo de trabalho em academia, o sexo feminino, idade, profissionais de Pilates e de ginástica estiveram associados com maiores prevalências das dores investigadas.

Mortality in Brazilian federal highway police officers: time series from 2001 to 2020 / Mortalidade em agentes da polícia rodoviária federal: série temporal entre 2001 e 2020

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the mortality trend from all causes in Brazilian federal highway police officers from 2001 to 2020. METHODS This is an ecological time-series study based on mortality official data from the Brazilian federal highway police registry system and death certificates from the federal registry system. Deaths of active police officers from 2001 to 2020 were assessed. We performed a descriptive analysis reporting proportions and incidence rates per 1,000 police officers. The chi-square test was used for bivariate analyzes and Prais-Winsten regression was used for trend analysis. RESULTS Among 346 deaths, 146 were from natural and 189 from unnatural causes (11 were from undefined causes). Most deaths occurred among police officers who were men (n = 333; 96.3%), over 35 years old (n = 265; 76.6%), whose service time was up to 15 years (n = 185; 53.5%), living in Northeast Brazil, and from unnatural causes (n = 189; 56.4%). The absolute number of deaths presented a decreasing trend throughout the series (p = -0.78; 95%CI: -1.03 to -0.5). Traffic accidents (n = 96; 28.7%), cardiovascular diseases (n = 58; 17.3%), interpersonal violence (n = 51; 15.2%), suicides (n = 35; 10.5%), and malignant neoplasms (n = 35; 10.4%) were the main causes of death. Most natural deaths occurred among police officers who were 51-73 years old (68.3%; 95%CI: 58.6 to 76.7) and worked more than 26 years (64.7%; 95%CI: 52.7 to 75.1), while most unnatural deaths occurred among officers who were 19-35 years old (87.3%; 95%CI: 78.0 to 93.1) and worked up to 15 years (70.2%; 95%CI: 63.1 to 76.4). CONCLUSION The mortality trend in Brazilian federal highway police officers decreased within the period studied. Understanding mortality causes may help to develop policies for disease prevention and health protection of police officers.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Descrever e analisar a tendência de mortalidade, por todas as causas, em agentes da polícia rodoviária federal, entre os anos de 2001 e 2020. MÉTODOS Trata-se de um estudo ecológico de séries temporais, baseado em dados oficiais sobre mortalidade registrados no sistema de cadastro nacional da polícia rodoviária federal e de certidões de óbitos do sistema de cadastro federal. Foram coletados os óbitos de agentes que estavam em efetivo exercício entre 2001 e 2020. Realizou-se análise descritiva, calcularam-se proporções e taxas de incidência por 1.000 policiais. Utilizou-se qui-quadrado para análises bivariadas e regressão de Prais-Winsten para análise de tendência. RESULTADOS Ocorreram 346 óbitos (11 por causas indeterminadas), dos quais 146 foram por mortes naturais e 189 não naturais. A maioria das mortes ocorreu em policiais do sexo masculino (n = 333; 96,3%), acima de 35 anos (n = 265; 76,6%), tempo de serviço até 15 anos (n = 185; 53,5%), da região Nordeste e por causas não naturais (n = 189; 56,4%). O número absoluto de óbitos de agentes apresentou tendência decrescente ao longo da série (p = -0,78; IC95% -1,03 - -0,5). Entre as principais causas de morte estão acidentes de trânsito (n = 96; 28,7%), doenças cardiovasculares (n = 58; 17,3%), violência interpessoal (n = 51; 15,2%), suicídio (n = 35; 10,5%) e neoplasias malignas (n = 35; 10,4%). As mortes naturais predominaram entre os agentes com idade entre 51-73 anos (68,3%; IC95% 58,6-76,7) e mais de 26 anos de serviço (64,7%; IC95% 52,7-75,1), já as não naturais, entre a faixa etária de 19-35 anos (87,3%; IC95% 78,0-93,1) e de até 15 anos de serviço (70,2%; IC95% 63,1-76,4). CONCLUSÕES Conclui-se que a tendência das mortes de agentes da polícia rodoviária federal foi decrescente no período. O conhecimento das causas de mortalidade pode auxiliar no desenvolvimento de políticas de prevenção de doenças e proteção à saúde desses policiais.

Can your partner influence your physical activity? The role of social support provided by partners / O parceiro influencia sua atividade física? O papel do apoio social fornecido pelo cônjuge

The study aims to evaluate the association between social support from partners (SSP) and physical activity (PA) levels. A cross-sectional study conducted in 26 gyms (n = 390) from Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods: PA was measured using questions about frequency/duration of PA performed at the gym and elsewhere and analyzed as numerical and dichotomized (median). SSP was measured using a validated questionnaire and analyzed in quartiles. Respectively, Linear and Poisson regression were used to assess the associations. SSP was associated with PA in both analyses. Persons belonging to the highest SSP quartile performed 66.1 (95%CI: 11.1 - 121.0) more minutes of PA and had 1.37 (95%CI:1.01 ­ 1.85) higher probability to perform more than 300 min/week of PA than those from the lowest SSP quartile. SSP was associated with PA, researchers must consider the potential of SSP when targeting PA behavioral changes

O estudo objetiva avaliar a associação entre apoio social do cônjuge (ASC) e o níveis de atividade física (AF). Estudo transversal realizado em 26 academias (n = 390) de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. A AF foi medida usando perguntas sobre frequência e duração de AF realizadas na academia e em outros locais, a mesma foi analisada como desfecho numérico e dicotomizado (mediana). O ASC foi medido utilizando um questionário validado e analisado em quartis. Respectivamente, regressões Linear e de Poisson foram utilizadas para avaliar as associações entre os desfechos e as exposições. Pessoas pertencentes ao quartil mais alto de ASC realizaram 66,1 (IC95%: 11,1 - 121,0) mais minutos de AF e tiveram 1,37 (IC95%: 1,01 - 1,85) maior probabilidade de realizar mais de 300 min/semana AF do que os do quartil de ASC mais baixo. O ASC está diretamente associado com maiores níveis de AF, pesquisadores devem considerar o potencial do ASC ao direcionar as mudanças comportamentais do AF

Leisure-time physical activity among older adults in Brazil: results from the Brazilian National Health Survey ­ 2013 / Prática de atividade física de lazer entre idosos brasileiros: resultados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde ­ 2013

INTRODUCTION: Health behaviors are fundamental for healthy aging. In this sense, the practice of physical activity is one of the most beneficial factors for the health of individuals. OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of leisure-time physical activity among the older adults and analyze in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, national regions, Federative Units of Brazil, and types of physical activity practiced. METHODS: Study utilizing data from the Brazilian National Health Survey - 2013. Leisure-time physical activity was analyzed with two distinct cutoff points: 1) Some physical activity - 10 or more minutes/week; 2) Meeting recommended 150 minutes/week of physical activity. RESULTS: Nearly 21% of the older adults completed some physical activity, and 13.2% reached the physical activity recommendations. There was no difference in the prevalence of physical activity between men and women. Individuals aged 60-69 years and those with higher income were more active than their peers. As for the national regions, the North had the lowest prevalence of physically active older adults. Among all regions, walking was the most frequent form of physical activity practiced. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of older adults who practiced some physical activity and reached the physical activity recommendations was low, with walking being the most common form of physical activity. Older adults with higher age, low socioeconomic status and from the Northern Brazilian regions were the least active.

INTRODUÇÃO: Comportamentos saudáveis são fundamentais para um envelhecimento saudável. Nesse sentido, a prática de atividade física é um dos fatores que mais geram benefícios para a saúde dos indivíduos. OBJETIVO: Descrever a prevalência de atividade física no lazer entre idosos e analisá-la de acordo com características sociodemográficas, regiões nacionais, Unidades Federativas do Brasil e tipos de atividade física praticada. MÉTODOS: Estudo utilizando dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde - 2013. A atividade física no lazer foi analisada com dois pontos de corte distintos: 1) Praticar alguma atividade física - 10 minutos ou mais/semana; 2) Recomendações de atividade física no lazer - 150 minutos/semana. RESULTADOS: Cerca de 21% dos idosos realizaram alguma atividade física e 13,2% atingiram as recomendações de atividade física. Não houve diferença na prevalência de atividade física entre homens e mulheres. Os idosos mais jovens e aqueles com maior renda foram mais ativos que seus pares. Quanto às regiões nacionais, o Norte apresentou a menor prevalência de idosos fisicamente ativos. Entre todas as regiões, a caminhada foi a forma mais frequente de atividade física praticada. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de idosos que praticavam atividade física e atingiram as recomendações de atividade física foi baixa, sendo a caminhada a forma mais comum de atividade física. Os idosos mais velhos, de baixo nível socioeconômico e das regiões Norte do Brasil foram os menos ativos.

Repeated high blood pressure at 6 and 11 years at the Pelotas 2004 birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the prevalence and the factors associated with repeated high systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at 6- and 11-year follow-ups of children from the Pelotas (Brazil) 2004 Birth Cohort. METHODS: All live births to mothers living in the urban area of Pelotas were enrolled in the cohort. Blood pressure (BP) values were transformed into Z-scores by sex, age, and height. High SBP and DBP were defined as repeated systolic and diastolic BP Z-scores on the ≥95th percentile at the two follow-ups. Prevalence (95% confidence interval) of repeated high SBP, DBP, and both (SDBP) were calculated. Associations with maternal and child characteristics were explored in crude and adjusted logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 3182 cohort participants were analyzed. Prevalence of repeated high SBP, DBP and SDBP was 1.7% (1.2-2.1%), 2.3% (1.8-2.9%) and 1.2% (0.9-1.6%), respectively. Repeated high SBP was associated with males, gestational diabetes mellitus (2.92; 1.13-7.58) and obesity at 11 years (2.44; 1.29-4.59); while repeated high DBP was associated with females, family history of hypertension from both sides (3.95; 1.59-9.85) and gestational age < 34 weeks (4.08; 1.52-10.96). Repeated high SDBP was not associated with any of the characteristics investigated. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of repeated high SBP, DBP, and SDBP were within the expected distribution at the population level. Nonetheless, gestational diabetes mellitus, obesity, family history of hypertension, and prematurity increased the risk of repeated high blood pressure measured at two occasions 5 years apart.

[Access to public physical activity programs in Brazil: National Health Survey, 2013]. / Acesso aos programas públicos de atividade física no Brasil: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013.

The article sought to describe awareness of public physical activity programs, practice of physical activity in public programs and barriers related to non-participation in these programs in a national representative sample according to sex, age, skin color, income, state and having been visited by a family health team (EqSF, in Portuguese) in the previous year. This is a cross-sectional survey with data from the Brazilian National Health Survey, 2013. We carried out descriptive analyses using the distribution of relative frequencies and their respective 95% confidence intervals, weighted in the sample design. We included 60,202 individuals. We found a 20% prevalence of awareness and, of these, 9.7% reported practicing physical activity in public programs. Most commonly reported barriers were lack of time (41.4%) and lack of interest in available activities (29.7%). Women have greater awareness when compared with men, but levels of physical activity were similar in both sexes. Awareness and physical activity were higher in the older age groups. Awareness increased with income, but the poorest participate more in public physical activity programs when compared with the other income categories. Awareness and physical activity were similar among those who were and were not visited by EqSF. Prevalences of awareness and participation in public physical activity programs are not expressive, with nearly 30% of individuals disinterested in current programs. Local-regional efforts are needed so that physical activity can be established as a health promotion tool.

O objetivo foi descrever o conhecimento de programas públicos de atividade física, a prática de atividade física em programas públicos e as barreiras relacionadas à não participação nestes programas de uma amostra representativa nacional, segundo o sexo, idade, cor da pele, renda, Unidades da Federação (UF) e ter sido visitado por uma equipe de saúde da família (EqSF) no último ano. Estudo transversal com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013. As análises foram de cunho descritivo, usando-se a distribuição de frequências relativas e respectivos intervalos de 95% de confiança, ponderadas para o desenho amostral. Foram inclusos 60.202 indivíduos. A prevalência de conhecimento foi de 20% e, destes, 9,7% relataram prática de atividades nos programas públicos. As barreiras mais relatadas foram falta de tempo (41,4%) e não ter interesse pelas atividades oferecidas (29,7%). Mulheres possuem maior conhecimento quando comparadas aos homens, porém a prática é similar entre os sexos. O conhecimento e a prática de atividade física foram maiores nas categorias de idades mais avançadas. O conhecimento aumentou conforme a renda, mas os mais pobres participam mais dos programas públicos de atividade física em comparação às demais categorias de renda. O conhecimento e a prática de atividade física foram similares entre quem recebeu ou não uma visita de EqSF. As prevalências de conhecimento e prática de atividade física em programas públicos são pouco expressivas, sendo que quase 30% dos indivíduos não se interessam pelos programas vigentes. Esforços loco-regionais são necessários para que a atividade física possa se estabelecer como ferramenta de promoção de saúde.

El objetivo fue describir el conocimiento de programas públicos de actividad física, la práctica de actividad física en programas públicos, así como las barreras relacionadas con la no participación en estos programas dentro de una muestra representativa nacional, según sexo, edad, color de piel, renta, Unidades de la Federación (UF) y haber sido visitado por un equipo de salud de la familia (EqSF) durante el último año. Es un estudio transversal con datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud, 2013. Los análisis fueron de cuño descriptivo, utilizando la distribución de frecuencias relativas y sus respectivos intervalos de 95% de confianza, así como ponderadas para el diseño de muestras. Se incluyeron a 60.202 individuos. La prevalencia de conocimiento fue de un 20,0% y, de estos, un 9,7% informaron de la práctica de actividades en los programas públicos. Las barreras más informadas fueron falta de tiempo (41,4%) y no tener interés por las actividades ofrecidas (29,7%). Las mujeres cuentan con un mayor conocimiento cuando se comparan con los hombres, pese a que la práctica es similar entre sexos. El conocimiento y la práctica de actividad física fueron mayores en las categorías con edades más avanzadas. El conocimiento aumentó según la renta, pero los más pobres participan más en los programas públicos de actividad física, en comparación con las demás categorías de renta. El conocimiento y la práctica de actividad física fueron similares entre quienes recibieron o no una visita de EqSF. Las prevalencias de conocimiento y práctica de actividad física en programas públicos son poco expresivas, en consecuencia casi un 30% de los individuos no se interesan por los programas vigentes. Se necesitan esfuerzos en el nivel local y regional para que la actividad física pueda establecerse como herramienta de promoción de salud.

Acesso aos programas públicos de atividade física no Brasil: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013 / Access to public physical activity programs in Brazil: National Health Survey, 2013 / Acceso a programas públicos de actividad física en Brasil: Encuesta Nacional de Salud, 2013

O objetivo foi descrever o conhecimento de programas públicos de atividade física, a prática de atividade física em programas públicos e as barreiras relacionadas à não participação nestes programas de uma amostra representativa nacional, segundo o sexo, idade, cor da pele, renda, Unidades da Federação (UF) e ter sido visitado por uma equipe de saúde da família (EqSF) no último ano. Estudo transversal com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013. As análises foram de cunho descritivo, usando-se a distribuição de frequências relativas e respectivos intervalos de 95% de confiança, ponderadas para o desenho amostral. Foram inclusos 60.202 indivíduos. A prevalência de conhecimento foi de 20% e, destes, 9,7% relataram prática de atividades nos programas públicos. As barreiras mais relatadas foram falta de tempo (41,4%) e não ter interesse pelas atividades oferecidas (29,7%). Mulheres possuem maior conhecimento quando comparadas aos homens, porém a prática é similar entre os sexos. O conhecimento e a prática de atividade física foram maiores nas categorias de idades mais avançadas. O conhecimento aumentou conforme a renda, mas os mais pobres participam mais dos programas públicos de atividade física em comparação às demais categorias de renda. O conhecimento e a prática de atividade física foram similares entre quem recebeu ou não uma visita de EqSF. As prevalências de conhecimento e prática de atividade física em programas públicos são pouco expressivas, sendo que quase 30% dos indivíduos não se interessam pelos programas vigentes. Esforços loco-regionais são necessários para que a atividade física possa se estabelecer como ferramenta de promoção de saúde.

The article sought to describe awareness of public physical activity programs, practice of physical activity in public programs and barriers related to non-participation in these programs in a national representative sample according to sex, age, skin color, income, state and having been visited by a family health team (EqSF, in Portuguese) in the previous year. This is a cross-sectional survey with data from the Brazilian National Health Survey, 2013. We carried out descriptive analyses using the distribution of relative frequencies and their respective 95% confidence intervals, weighted in the sample design. We included 60,202 individuals. We found a 20% prevalence of awareness and, of these, 9.7% reported practicing physical activity in public programs. Most commonly reported barriers were lack of time (41.4%) and lack of interest in available activities (29.7%). Women have greater awareness when compared with men, but levels of physical activity were similar in both sexes. Awareness and physical activity were higher in the older age groups. Awareness increased with income, but the poorest participate more in public physical activity programs when compared with the other income categories. Awareness and physical activity were similar among those who were and were not visited by EqSF. Prevalences of awareness and participation in public physical activity programs are not expressive, with nearly 30% of individuals disinterested in current programs. Local-regional efforts are needed so that physical activity can be established as a health promotion tool.

El objetivo fue describir el conocimiento de programas públicos de actividad física, la práctica de actividad física en programas públicos, así como las barreras relacionadas con la no participación en estos programas dentro de una muestra representativa nacional, según sexo, edad, color de piel, renta, Unidades de la Federación (UF) y haber sido visitado por un equipo de salud de la familia (EqSF) durante el último año. Es un estudio transversal con datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud, 2013. Los análisis fueron de cuño descriptivo, utilizando la distribución de frecuencias relativas y sus respectivos intervalos de 95% de confianza, así como ponderadas para el diseño de muestras. Se incluyeron a 60.202 individuos. La prevalencia de conocimiento fue de un 20,0% y, de estos, un 9,7% informaron de la práctica de actividades en los programas públicos. Las barreras más informadas fueron falta de tiempo (41,4%) y no tener interés por las actividades ofrecidas (29,7%). Las mujeres cuentan con un mayor conocimiento cuando se comparan con los hombres, pese a que la práctica es similar entre sexos. El conocimiento y la práctica de actividad física fueron mayores en las categorías con edades más avanzadas. El conocimiento aumentó según la renta, pero los más pobres participan más en los programas públicos de actividad física, en comparación con las demás categorías de renta. El conocimiento y la práctica de actividad física fueron similares entre quienes recibieron o no una visita de EqSF. Las prevalencias de conocimiento y práctica de actividad física en programas públicos son poco expresivas, en consecuencia casi un 30% de los individuos no se interesan por los programas vigentes. Se necesitan esfuerzos en el nivel local y regional para que la actividad física pueda establecerse como herramienta de promoción de salud.