PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED TO PHYSICAL INACTIVITY IN ELDERLY BRAZILIANS EVALUATED BY ACCELEROMETRY: EVIDENCE FROM THE SABE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Population studies using accelerometers to estimate physical inactivity in elderlies have been carried out in developed countries. In Brazil, these studies are limited to subjective measures. Objective: to identify through an accelerometer the prevalence and factors associated with physical inactivity in elderly residents in São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional population-base study conducted with 543 elderly individuals (mean 73.8 years) using data from the SABE study (Health, Welfare and Ageing). The level of physical activity was measured using accelerometers, and the participants categorized into inactive with <30 minutes of moderate and/or vigorous activity daily; and active with > 30 minutes moderate and/or vigorous activity daily. The independent variables were sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical, and lifestyle. The association of the dependent variable with the independent variables was conducted using multiple regression analysis. Results: Of the elderlies evaluated, 85.4% were physically inactive (men = 74.3% and women = 91.9%). Elderlies aged >75 years (OR=4.67 [1.87 to 11.66]), women (OR=2.26 [1.15 to 4.44]), with high waist circumference (OR=2.93 [1.41 to 6.12]), high number of comorbidities (OR=2.27 [1.22 to 4.23]), and chronic pain (OR=2.54 [1.32 to 4.88]) were associated independently with physical inactivity. Conclusion: The prevalence of physical inactivity in elderly individuals aged 65 or over is appalling and associated with sociodemographic, anthropometric, and clinical variables. Keywords: Aged. Epidemiology. Public Health. Chronic pain.