Marcos Onofre

The correlates of meeting physical activity recommendations: A population-based cross-sectional study

Abstract The aim of this study was to identify correlated factors which explain the recommended level of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) among Portuguese adults. Subjects aged 31–60 years (972 males, 1195 females) were categorized, based on LTPA data obtained using a questionnaire, into two groups according to the PA recommendation for PA:≥10 or <10 MET·hr·wk−1. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were applied to the results. For men, the perception of an active lifestyle [odds ratio (OR) = 4.61, 95% CI:3.13–6.81, p <0.001], having an excellent perception of health (OR = 3.14, 95% CI:1.28–7.71, p =0.013), perception of being sufficiently active (OR = 2.16, 95% CI:1.53–3.05, p <0.001), and having a high socio-economic status (SES) (OR = 1.86, 95% CI:1.22–2.81, p =0.004) were associated with attaining the recommended level of PA. For women, the perception of an active lifestyle (OR = 3.68, 95% CI:2.63–5.15, p <0.001), and middle SES (OR = 1.50, 95% CI:1.07–2.11, p =0.018) were positive and associated with meeting PA recommendations. Unlike men, women with body mass index (BMI) 25–29.9 kg/m2 were more likely to attain the recommended level of PA than those with BMI <25 kg/m2. The incidence of adults that met the recommended amount of PA is low. Men and women had different patterns of psychological and socio-demographic correlates. An intervention designed to improve the levels of PA among Portuguese adults may take these correlates into account.