Marcelo Cozzensa da Silva

Gender differences in leisure-time physical activity

Summary.Objectives:To explore the association between gender and leisure-time physical activity in a population-based sample of adults living in Brazil. To study a variety of variables possibly associated with physical activity levels.Methods:A multistage sampling of households was undertaken in Pelotas, a medium-sized Southern Brazilian city. Leisure-time physical activity was measured using the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data on potential predictors of leisure-time physical activity behavior were collected using a standardized questionnaire. 1 344 men and 1 756 women were interviewed. Several definitions of moderate and vigorous-intensity physical activity were used.Results:Regardless of the guideline used, males were more active than women. Socioeconomic level was positively associated with leisure-time physical activity in both genders. A positive dose-response between age and inactivity was found in men, but not among women.Conclusions:Because men and women have different levels of physical activity, and the variables associated with activity levels are not consistent across the genders, interventions promoting physical activity should take these differences into account.Zusammenfassung.Geschlechterbedingte Unterschiede bei körperlichen Aktivitäten in der FreizeitZiel:Die Beziehung zwischen Geschlecht und körperlichen Freizeitktivitäten in einer bevölkerungsbasierten Stichprobe von in Brasilien lebenden Erwachsenen zu untersuchen.Methoden:Ein mehrstufiges Sampling von Haushalten wurde in Pelotas durchgeführt, einer mittelgrossen südbrasilianischen Stadt. Körperliche Freizeitaktivitäten wurden anhand der Langversion des Fragebogens zur Erhebung gesundheitsrelevanter körperlicher Aktivität (IPAC) gemessen. Daten zu potentiellen Prädiktoren des Verhaltens im Bereich der körperlichen Freizeitaktivitäten wurden mittels eines standardisierten Frage-bogens erhoben. Es wurden 1 344 Männer und 1 756 Frauen befragt. Verschiedene Definitionen körperlicher Aktivität von moderater bzw. starker Intensität kamen zur Anwendung.Ergebnisse:Unabhängig der verwendeten Richtlinien waren Männer aktiver als Frauen. Der sozioökonomische Status war negativ assoziiert mit körperlichen Freizeitaktivitäten bei beiden Geschlechtern. Eine positive Dosis-Wirkungs-Beziehung zwischen Alter und Inaktivität konnte bei Männern festgestellt werden, jedoch nicht bei Frauen.Schlussfolgerungen:Da Männer und Frauen ein unterschiedliches Mass an körperlicher Aktivität aufweisen und die Variablen, die mit körperlicher Betätigung assoziiert sind, zwischen den Geschlechtern nicht einheitlich sind, sollten Interventionen zur Förderung körperlicher Aktivität diese Unterschiede berücksichtigen.Résumé.Pratique de l’activité physique durant les loisirsdifférences entre les sexesObjectifs:Etudier l’association entre le genre et la pratique de l’activité physique durant les loisirs dans un échantillon populationnel d’adultes vivant au Brésil. Etudier différentes variables qui pourraient être associées avec les niveaux d’activité physique.Méthodes:Un échantillonnage en grappe des ménages a été effectué à Pelotas, un ville de taille moyenne au sud du Brésil. L’activité physique pratiquée durant les loisirs a été mesurée au moyen de la version longue du «Questionnaire International d’Activité Physique». Les variables prédictrices de la pratique de l’activité physique durant les loisirs ont été collectées au moyen d’un questionnaire standardisé. 1 344 hommes et 1 756 femmes ont été interviewés. Diverses définitions actuelles des niveaux d’activité physique recommandés (modérée/intense) ont été utilisées.Résultats:Indépendamment des recommandations utilisées comme critères, les hommes étaient plus actifs que les femmes. Le niveau socio-économique était associé négativement avec la pratique d’une activité physique pendant les loisirs pour les deux sexes. Une dose-réponse positive entre l’âge et la sédentarité a été identifiée chez les hommes mais pas chez les femmes.Conclusions:Les hommes et les femmes ont des niveaux de pratique de l’activité physique différents. Les variables associées à cette pratique varient également entre les sexes. Les interventions de promotion de l’activité physique devraient donc tenir compte de ces spécificités.

Dor lombar crônica em uma população adulta do Sul do Brasil: prevalência e fatores associados

To identify the prevalence of chronic low back pain (CLBP) and examine factors associated with this condition in a Southern Brazilian adult population, a population-based cross-sectional study was conducted, including 3,182 subjects of both sexes, aged 20 years or over, living in the urban area of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State. The questionnaire included socio-demographic, behavioral, and nutritional variables, as well as characterization of exposure to ergonomic factors in daily activities. CLBP prevalence was 4.2%. The variables sex, age, marital status, schooling, smoking, body mass index, working in a lying position, heavy physical work, and repetitive movements were associated with CLBP. Prevalence of CLBP is important as it limits normal activities and increases the use of health care services. There may be differences in the ergonomic risk factors for CLBP and low back pain in general.

Incapacidade funcional para atividades básicas e instrumentais da vida diária em idosos

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of disability and associated factors in elderly, by focusing on basic and instrumental activities of daily living. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on 598 subjects aged 60 years or over who were selected through two-stage cluster sampling in Pelotas, Southern Brazil, between 2007 and 2008. Basic and instrumental activities were evaluated using the Katz Index and the Lawton Scale, respectively. Disability relating to each domain was defined as the need for partial or total assistance to perform at least one activity of daily living. Poisson regression with robust variance was used in the crude and adjusted analyses, taking the cluster sampling into account. RESULTS: The prevalence of disability relating to basic activities was 26.8% (95% CI: 23.0; 30.8). The lowest proportion of independence was in relation to controlling the urination and/or evacuation functions. In relation to instrumental activities, the prevalence of disability was 28.8% (95% CI: 24.5; 33.1), particularly in relation to moving around using means of transportation. A high proportion of the elderly subjects (21.7%) presented more than one instrumental activity with disability. In relation to basic activities, the greatest proportion presented dependence for only one activity (16.6%). In the adjusted analysis, disability relating to basic activities was associated with non-white skin color (p=0.01) and increasing age (p<0.001). Disability relating to instrumental activities was only associated with increasing age (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The association between disability relating to basic and instrumental activities and increasing age is an indicator of importance for enabling the health services to plan actions that aim to prevent or delay the occurrence of disability, thereby ensuring independence and better quality of life among the elderly.

Prevalência de dor nas costas e fatores associados em adultos do sul do Brasil: estudo de base populacional

OBJECTIVES To identify the prevalence of spinal pain and possible prognostic factors in a representative sample of Pelotas, RS, Brazil. METHODS Cross-sectional study evaluated 972 adults aged between 20 and 69 years, of both sexes, residents in a urban area. The questionnaire included socio-economic, demographics, behavioral and health-related questions. Spinal pain was defined as any pain or discomfort in the spine somewhere in the last 12 months, either in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar area. RESULTS The prevalence of spinal pain was 63.1% (95% CI 60.0 to 66.1) being lower back the most prevalent condition (40%). Female gender 1.24 (1.12 to 1.37) and poor health status(p<0.001) were the variables that remained associated with the presence of spinal pain in the final model. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of back pain is important as it is associated with activity limitation and with health care utilization.

Increase of chronic low back pain prevalence in a medium-sized city of southern Brazil

BackgroundChronic low back pain (CLBP) is a highly disabling morbidity with high social, economic and individual effects. Demographic, occupational and behavioral changes that took place in Brazil over the last decade are related with an increasing burden of chronic conditions. Despite these changes, comparison studies on CLBP prevalence and associated factors, over time are scarce in the literature in general, and unknown in Brazil. The present study compared the CLBP prevalence in a medium sized city in Brazil between the years 2002 and 2010 and examined factors associated with prevalence in 2010.MethodsTwo cross-sectional studies with similar methodology were conducted in a medium-sized city in southern Brazil, in 2002 and 2010. 3182 individuals were interviewed in the first study and 2732 in the second one, all adults aged twenty years or more. Those who reported pain for seven weeks or more in the last three months in the lumbar region where considered cases of CLBP.ResultsThe CLBP prevalence increased from 4.2% to 9.6% in 8 years. In most of the studied subgroups the CLBP prevalence has at least doubled and the increase was even larger among younger individuals with more years of education and higher economic status.ConclusionsIncrease in CLBP prevalence is worrisome because it is a condition responsible for substantial social impact, besides being an important source of demand for health services.

Knowledge about contraceptives in a population 15 years or older in a southern Brazilian city

A prevalencia de uso de anticoncepcional no Brasil e alta; porem, e frequente seu uso incorreto e inadequado, sugerindo escasso conhecimento sobre os metodos. Assim, avaliou-se o conhecimento sobre metodos anticoncepcionais mais utilizados por meio de um escore (0-10) e fatores associados a este conhecimento. Foi realizado um estudo transversal de base populacional, com 3.542 individuos de 15 anos ou mais, residentes na zona urbana de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. A media de escore de conhecimento foi de 4,65 (dp = 2,07), sendo 5,02 (dp = 2,10) para as mulheres e 4,18 (dp = 1,92) para os homens. Menor idade, maior escolaridade, relato de gravidez indesejada e uso de metodo anticoncepcional exclusivo ou combinado ao longo da vida mostraram-se associados a um maior escore de conhecimento entre os homens, enquanto, para as mulheres, os determinantes de maior conhecimento foram maior idade, viver com companheiro, maior escolaridade, melhor nivel economico, nao ter religiao e uso de metodo anticoncepcional exclusivo ou combinado ao longo da vida. Apesar da alta prevalencia de uso de anticoncepcional (75,3%), e limitado o conhecimento sobre os metodos mais utilizados, ciclo menstrual e periodo fertil.In Brazil, prevalence of contraceptive use is high, but incorrect and inappropriate use is frequent, suggesting limited knowledge about methods. This study thus evaluated the knowledge about the most widely used contraceptive methods, measured through a score (0-10) and related factors. A population-based cross-sectional study was performed, with 3,542 subjects ages 15 or older, residing in the urban area of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State. The mean overall knowledge score was 4.65 (sd = 2.07): 5.02 (sd = 2.10) for women and 4.18 (sd = 1.92) for men. Lower age, higher schooling, a report of unwanted pregnancy, and any lifetime use of contraceptive methods (exclusive or combined) were associated with higher knowledge scores among men, while for women, the determinants of higher knowledge were higher age, living with a partner, higher schooling, higher socioeconomic status, not reporting a religion, and any lifetime use of contraceptive methods (exclusive or combined). Despite high prevalence of any lifetime contraceptive use (75.3%), knowledge is still limited about the most widely used methods, as well as about the menstrual cycle and fertile period.

Minor psychiatric disorders among Brazilian ragpickers: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundRagpickers are informal workers who collect recyclable materials to earn a small wage. Their life and working conditions are extremely difficult. We examined minor psychiatric disorders (MPD) among a cohort of ragpickers in Pelotas, a city in southern Brazil.MethodsRagpickers were matched by sex, age, and years of schooling with a sample of non-ragpickers from the same poor neighborhoods. The cross-sectional study gathered data by interview on 990 individuals in 2004. MPD were assessed using a standard self-reporting questionnaire, the SRQ-20.ResultsThe prevalence of MPD among ragpickers was 44.7%, higher than reported by neighborhood controls (33.6%; p < 0.001). MPD were more common among females, those of lower economic level, smokers and alcoholics. Among occupational characteristics, MPD prevalence was associated with frequent static postures, low job satisfaction and recent work accidents.ConclusionRagpickers more frequently report MPD than other poor workers living in the same neighborhoods, with many of the same life conditions. Improving the work lives of these precarious workers should address not only the physical hazards of their jobs but their mental and emotional health as well.

Prevalência e fatores associados a sintomas depressivos em adultos do sul do Brasil: estudo transversal de base populacional

To identify the prevalence of depressive symptoms and examine associated factors in a Southern Brazilian adult population, a cross-sectional population-based study was carried out, including 972 subjects, men and women, aged 20 to 69 years, living in the urban area of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. The sampling strategy relied on the census tracts of the city as primary sampling units and households as the secondary units. The questionnaire included socio-demographic, behavioral and nutritional variables. The prevalence of sadness, anxiety, loss of energy, lack of will to do things, thinking about the past, and wishing to stay at home were 29.4%, 57.6%, 37.4%, 40.4%, 33.8%, and 54.3%, respectively. Female gender, older ages, smokers and obese individuals showed association with depressive symptoms. Population-based studies using longitudinal designs may help to clarify the relationship between biopsychosocial variables and depressive symptoms.

Variables associated with leisure-time physical inactivity and main barriers to exercise among industrial workers in Southern Brazil

The aim of this study was to identify the main perceived barriers to leisure-time physical activity and factors associated with physical inactivity among industrial workers in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A cross-sectional study with analysis of secondary data included 2,265 workers. Thirteen barriers were investigated: fatigue, weather, overwork, lack of will, study obligations, family obligations, distance to the facility/setting, affordability, lack of motor skills, poor physical conditioning, lack of facilities, lack of money, security, and others. Prevalence of physical inactivity among workers was 45.4%, and the most common barriers were fatigue (15.1%), overwork (12.7%), and family obligations (9.2%). Fatigue, overwork, family obligations, lack of will, affordability, study obligations, and weather were associated with leisure-time physical inactivity. Government policies focused on overarching interventions could help these workers overcome such barriers and adopt an active lifestyle.

Gonalgia entre trabalhadores e fatores ocupacionais associados: uma revisão sistemática

In order to collect information on knee pain and associated occupational factors, a systematic review was conducted using the MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO, and Free Medical Journals databases, from 1990 to 2006. Key words were: gonalgia, knee, knee pain, knee joint, knee dislocation, knee injuries, work, workplace, workload, employment, occupations, industry, occupational, workers, arthrosis, and osteoarthritis. Equivalent terms in Portuguese and Spanish were also used. From the initial 2,263 studies gathered, only 26 met the reviews inclusion criteria. Knee pain prevalence in the previous 12 months ranged from 11.2% to 60.9%. The main associated factors were: female gender, older age, high body mass index, kneeling working position, and lifting at work.