Differential Factors Are Associated with Physical Activity in Older Adults in Brazil with and without Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the 2019 National Health Survey

Abstract

This study analyzed whether sociodemographic factors, health perception, dietary habits, and screen time are related to physical activity (PA) in older people with and without non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs). This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey; the sample was older adults (≥60 years old; n = 22,726). The outcome of this study was being physically active or inactive during leisure time, and NCD was used as a moderating variable. The correlates investigated were sociodemographic and health-related variables. According to the logistic regression analysis, it was observed that being male had an association only in the group with NCDs (OR = 1.25 (1.05–1.48)), as well as residing in the northeastern region (OR = 1.26 (1.04–1.53)). On the other hand, high levels of education (OR = 4.09 (2.92–5.2); OR = 1.92 (1.48–2.49)) and income (OR = 1.64 (1.09–2.48); OR = 1.86 (1.33–2.60)) were associated with PA in both groups, as well as dietary habits (OR = 1.03 (1.01–1.05); (OR = 1.05 (1.04–1.07)). Advanced age (OR = 0.96 (0.94–0.97); OR = 0.97 (0.96–0.98)) and reporting a regular health perception (OR = 0.53 (0.43–0.66); OR = 0.61 (0.52–0.73)) were factors associated with physical inactivity in both groups. Gender, education, and income were unequally associated with an active lifestyle in both groups, and therefore, barriers to PA may arise.