Psychosocial and environmental determinants of physical activity in a Brazilian public university employees - ELDAF: A prospective cohort study protocol.

Aldair J Oliveira,Fabiane Frota Da Rocha Morgado,Geraldo De Albuquerque Maranhão Neto,Mikael Rostila,Rosane Harter Griep,Mauro Felippe Felix Mediano,Claudia S Lopes,Vitor Paravidino,Gustavo Mota De Sousa,Wesley Souza Do Vale

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0263385

Abstract

BackgroundIncreased physical activity levels and their determinations are essential issues worldwide. The Longitudinal Study of Physical Activity Determinants (ELDAF) aims to understand the roles of psychosocial and environmental factors in workers’ physical activity levels.MethodsA prospective cohort study of non-faculty civil servants from a public university (approximately 1,200 individuals) will start in 2022 (baseline). The primary measurements will be accelerometer- and questionnaire-based physical activity, social support, social network, socioeconomic status, bereavement, job stress, body image, common mental disorders, depression, and neighborhood satisfaction. Additional measurements will include necessary sociodemographic, physical morbidity, lifestyle and anthropometric information. Participants’ places of residence will be geocoded using complete addresses. All participants will furnish written, informed consent before the beginning of the study. Pilot studies were performed to identify and correct potential problems in the data collection instruments and procedures. ELDAF will be the first cohort study conducted in Latin America to investigate physical activity and its determinants.

Highlights

ELDAF will be the first cohort study conducted in Latin America to investigate physical activity and its determinants
Low physical activity levels are related to increased risk of death [1]
Accurate health information and an understanding of the relationships between psychosocial determinants and physical activity level could be useful to the institution in implementing a health promotion program for these workers; (2) ELDAF includes a broad range of workers, warranting the inference that future findings may achieve appropriate levels of external validity; (3) part of the ELDAF population lives in a rural area

Summary

Background

Increased physical activity levels and their determinations are essential issues worldwide. The Longitudinal Study of Physical Activity Determinants (ELDAF) aims to understand the roles of psychosocial and environmental factors in workers’ physical activity levels.

Methods

Introduction

Study design

Ethical considerations and spread

Findings

Strengths and limitations of this study