Sex, income and level of education associated with physical activity level among workers

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To analyze socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with physical activity level among workers. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in Brazil's Federal District, from 2000 to 2001, with a representative sample of 1,044 workers from both sexes, who are covered by the Programa de Alimentação do Trabalhador (Workers' Food Program). Binary logistic regression was used to determine possible risk factors associated with physical activity level and selected by the backward elimination process. Interactive effects of the variables were verified in the final model by means of the odds ratio for physical activity level >;1.4. RESULTS: The final model included sex, income and level of education. Male individuals who only finished elementary school and earned less than four Brazilian minimum wages per month were the most likely to show physical activity level >;1.4. The odds ratio estimate indicated that men were five times more likely to show physical activity level >;1.4 than women. Individuals who only finished elementary school and had an income equal to or below four minimum wages were two times more likely to show physical activity level >;1.4 than individuals who earned more than four minimum wages and had a university degree or higher. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that the factors associated with physical activity level among workers are the following: male, elementary school level, and income below four Brazilian minimum wages per month.