Physical activity and sedentary behaviours in a low human development index region in Brazil

Abstract Background The Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases through Telephone Survey (VIGITEL) is used to monitor the frequency and distribution of risk and protective factors for non-communicable diseases in Brazil. However, its application is limited to state capitals. Purpose This study aims to describe physical activity and sedentary behavior among individuals with arterial hypertension (AH) or diabetes mellitus (DM) in a low Human Development Index (HDI) region located far from a state capital. Methods This cross-sectional study included individuals over 18 years old diagnosed with AH or DM from a low HDI region, who had access to a telephone. Data on participants’ characteristics at baseline were obtained from the randomized trial dataset, and included sex (male; female), age range (adults: up to 59 years old; elderly: individuals 60 and older), educational attainment, place of residence (rural; urban), self-reported race/ethnicity (asian; white; brown; black; indigenous), and monthly family income. Data collection was carried out using computer-assisted telephone interviews, using the VIGITEL questionnaire, to investigate physical activity in leisure, work, household chores, and commuting. Sedentary behavior was assessed based on time spent watching television, using computers, tablets, and mobile phones during leisure time. Results Among the 1,167 respondents, 71.5% were women, 54.0% were 60 and older, 53.6% had up to 8 years of schooling, 50.5% lived in rural areas, 87.1% were self-reported brown, and 88.2% reported a family income of up to twice the minimum wage. Of these, 50.0% reported engaging in some form of leisure-time physical activity. Of these, 66.6% exercised at least three times a week. Walking was the most frequent activity (59.2%). Regarding leisure-time physical activity duration, 44.7% reported exercising for 60 minutes or more, 40.3% for 30 to 59 minutes, and 16.0% for less than 30 minutes at a time. Only 42.6% reported having worked in the previous three months. Among them, 70.8% reported walking during work, and 55.0% walked to and from work. Of these, 52.1% spent 30 minutes or more commuting. Regarding household activities, 61.3% reported doing chores alone or with someone else, and of these, 95.5% participated in heavy cleaning. Television and other screen use (tablet, computer, and mobile phone) during leisure time were reported by 78.7% and 53.8%, respectively. Among them, 71.3% watched television for one hour or more a day, and 49.8% spent one hour or more a day using other screens. Conclusion Despite a high prevalence of physical activity among participants, sedentary behaviors remain prevalent, potentially impacting the AH and DM management. It is crucial to increase the frequency, duration, and intensity of physical activity, particularly during leisure time, and to reduce screen time to improve health outcomes and control these conditions in this population.