Epidemiology Of Self-reported Physical Activity In Eight Latin American Countries

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of physical inactivity in Latin America was one of the highest reported worldwide. The purpose of this study was a comparative international study of population PA prevalence across eight countries from Latin American. METHODS: Data from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS) were included in the analysis. The sample included 9,218 adolescents and adults aged 15-65 years. PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. PA was compared among countries, gender, age group, socioeconomic, educational level and different PA domains. In addition to using the MET-minutes/week rank, we also used the rating in active or insufficiently active based in minutes/week. Individuals were categorized as active (mean ≥150 min/week) or insufficiently active (mean ≤150 min/week). RESULTS: The prevalence of physically active individuals was 52.5%. Men were more active than women in all countries. Only 13.4% of the population had high PA level and 27.4% showed moderate PA level. More than half (59.3%) of subjects exhibited low levels of PA. The prevalence of physically active individuals slightly, increased from low to high socioeconomic level. Regarding the educational level, the prevalence of physically active individuals was similar among those who have a lower educational levels, high school studies, and university degrees (52.4, 52.0, and 52.3%). The largest fraction of transportation time was explained by walking time (87%). Vigorous-intensity PA was the one that contributes the most for the total leisure time (52%). Recreation/sport time contributes with 25% to total leisure time. The total of minutes of PA is explained in 55% by leisure time and in 45% by transportation time. Most of the countries more than 80% of total MET-minutes/week were explained by walking (44%) and vigorous- intensity PA (39%). The only exceptions were Ecuador and Chile, the two countries with the highest levels of PA. CONCLUSIONS: The high percentage of Latin American subjects insufficiently active people and with low levels of PA should be of concern. Measures are needed to promote the practice of PA. If assessment methods are used consistently over time within this world region, trend data will inform countries about the success of their efforts to promote PA.