Prevalence and Predictors of Physical Inactivity in a Slum in Brazil

The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of physical inactivity and examine the role of potential predictors in a very low-income adult population in a slum located in Recife city, northeast of Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,176 subjects aged 20–60 years residing in a slum. Using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, 307 (26.1%) study participants—97 (23.8%) men and 210 (27.3%) women—have a low physical activity score (MET-minutes per week). Increased age was associated with physical inactivity only in people without overweight/obesity. Low physical activity was less common (i.e., respondents were more active) than in other Brazilian population-based studies. These results suggest that the relationship between physical activity and socioeconomic level is more complex and depends on the internal characteristics of the community

Prevalência e fatores associados ao sobrepeso e à obesidade em adolescentes, estudantes de escolas de Ensino Médio de Pernambuco, Brasil Prevalence of overweight and obesity and associated factors among public high school students in Pernambuco State, Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a associação entre fatores demográficos, sócio-econômicos, escolares e comportamentais e a prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade em adolescentes. A amostra foi constituída por 4.210 estudantes (14-19 anos) da rede pública estadual em Pernambuco, Brasil, selecionados mediante amostragem por conglomerados em dois estágios. Além das medidas antropométricas, dados pessoais e comportamentais foram coletadas usando o Global School-Based Health Survey. Pontos de corte utilizados para classificação dos casos de sobrepeso e obesidade foram os propostos pelo International Obesity Task Force. A prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade foi 11,5% (IC95%: 10,7-12,8) e 2,4% (IC95%: 1,9-2,9), respectivamente. Verificou-se maior risco de sobrepeso e obesidade entre rapazes que residiam em áreas urbanas e que não participavam das aulas de educação física. Entre as moças, assistir à televisão três horas ou mais foi fator associado à ocorrência de obesidade. Redução do tempo de televisão e participação nas aulas de educação física podem ser ações efetivas no enfrentamento da epidemia da obesidade.<br>This study aims to analyze the association between demographic, socioeconomic, school-related, and behavioral factors and overweight and obesity in adolescents. The sample included 4,210 public high school students (14-19 years old) in Pernambuco State, Brazil, selected by two-stage cluster sampling. Obesity and overweight were assessed using anthropometric measurements, and the Global School-Based Health Survey was used to collect personal and behavioral data. The cutoff points for defining overweight and obesity were those recommended by the International Obesity Task Force. Prevalence rates for overweight and obesity were 11.5% (95%CI: 10.7-12.8) and 2.4% (95%CI: 1.9-2.9), respectively. Overweight and obesity were more common in males who reported residing in urban areas and were not enrolled in physical education classes. Watching television 3+ hours/day was associated with obesity in females. Reducing TV time and encouraging enrollment in physical education could be effective measures to counteract the growing obesity trends