Characteristics of physical activity programs in the Brazilian primary health care system

• Autor(a) principal: Gomes, Grace Angélica de Oliveira
• Data de Publicação: 2014
• Outros Autores: Kokubun, Eduardo, Mieke, Grégore Iven, Ramos, Luiz Roberto [UNIFESP], Pratt, Michael, Parra, Diana C., Simões, Eduardo, Florindo, Alex A., Bracco, Mario Maia [UNIFESP], Cruz, Danielle, Malta, Deborah, Lobelo, Felipe, Hallal, Pedro C.
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Repositório Institucional da UNIFESP
• Texto Completo: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0102-311X00085713; http://repositorio.unifesp.br/handle/11600/8622
• topic: Motor Activity; Developing Countries; Primary Health Care; Family Health; Atividade Motora; Países em Desenvolvimento; Atenção Primária à Saúde; Saúde da Família

The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of programs that promote physical activity in the public primary care system by region of Brazil, subject to the presence or absence of multidisciplinary primary care teams (NASF). We conducted a cross sectional and population-based telephone survey of the health unit coordinators from 1,251 health care units. Coordinators were asked about the presence and characteristics of physical activity programs. Four out of ten health units reported having a physical activity intervention program, the most common involving walking groups. Most of the activities were performed in the morning, once or twice a week, and in sessions of 30 minutes or more. Physical education professionals were primarily responsible for directing the activities. Interventions occurred in the health unit itself or in adjacent community spaces. In general, these characteristics were similar between units with or without NASF, but varied substantially across regions. These findings will guide future physical activity policies and programs within primary care in Brazil.