Physical activity level of the Itumbiarense population during the period of social restriction (COVID-19)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37951/2674-9181.2024v6i1.5842Keywords:
Physical Inactivity, Sedentary Lifestyle, Body Mass Index, COVID-19Abstract
Background: Regular physical activity is an important strategy for health promotion and the prevention of chronic diseases. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, social restriction measures may have reduced opportunities for physical activity and contributed to unfavorable lifestyle behaviors. Local assessments are necessary to understand how these changes affected specific populations. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to identify the physical activity level of the population of Itumbiara, Goiás, Brazil, during the period of COVID-19-related social restriction. The secondary objective was to assess body mass index (BMI) and compare BMI values between men and women. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between March and May 2021. A total of 215 adults of both sexes, aged 18 to 65 years and residing in Itumbiara, were recruited by non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Physical activity level was assessed using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), which classified participants as sedentary, irregularly active B, irregularly active A, active, or very active. Body mass and height were self-reported and used to calculate BMI. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation and percentages. BMI values were compared between men and women using the independent samples t-test, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Of the 215 participants, 101 were men and 114 were women. The sample had a mean age of 36.33 ± 14.32 years among men and 36.13 ± 14.45 years among women. Regarding physical activity level, 33% of participants were classified as active, 26% as sedentary, 24% as irregularly active A, 10% as very active, and 7% as irregularly active B. The overall mean BMI was 25.8 kg/m², indicating overweight. Men and women showed similar BMI values, with no statistically significant difference between groups (26.4 kg/m² vs. 25.3 kg/m², respectively; p = 0.515). Conclusion: Although the largest proportion of participants was classified as active, a considerable percentage of the population was sedentary during the period of COVID-19-related social restriction. In addition, the sample presented mean BMI values within the overweight range, without differences between men and women. These findings highlight the need for local public health strategies focused on increasing physical activity levels and preventing excess body weight, particularly during periods of social restriction.
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