Availability of public open space and the practice of leisure-time physical activity among the Brazilian adult population

Abstract

To analyze the perceived availability of public open space (POS) in the neighborhood for physical activity (PA) over the years and its association to practice of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among Brazilian adult population. Data from the surveillance system of risk and protection factors for chronic diseases by telephone survey (Vigitel) from 2011 to 2015 were analyzed (n = 247,548). Prais-Winsten regression was used to investigate the trend of the perceived availability of POS, and Poisson regression to analyze its association to the LTPA. The perceived availability of POS in the neighborhood for PA remained fairly stable, from 73.4% in 2011 to 74.0% in 2015. The perception of this availability positively associated with the sufficient practice of LTPA (≥ 150min/week) (RP = 1.27; p < 0.05), and with the practice of different types, weekly frequency and daily duration of the activities. In addition to the building and maintenance of POS, the proximity and physical accessibility of the population must be guaranteed, so that those spaces are perceived as a favorable environment for the practice of LTPA.