Promoting physical activity and quality of life in Vitoria, Brazil: evaluation of the Exercise Orientation Service (EOS) program

J Phys Act Health. 2014 Jan;11(1):38-44. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2012-0027. Epub 2012 Dec 17.

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate associations between exposure to the Exercise Orientation Service (EOS) program and physical activity (PA) and quality of life (QoL) in adults from Vitoria, Brazil.

Methods: A phone survey was conducted with 2023 randomly selected participants (≥ 18 years) to measure awareness about the program, participation in the program, PA levels, and QoL. The associations were tested using Poisson and Linear regression models.

Results: 31.5% reported awareness about the program, 1.5% reported current participation, and 5.8% reported previous participation. Participation was higher among women (2.1%), older subjects (2.8%), and those reporting morbidities (2.4%). Awareness was higher among middle-aged persons (36.0%) and highly educated participants (37.1%). Current participation (PR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.65-2.99) and awareness (PR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.02-1.30) were associated with leisure-time PA (LTPA).

Conclusion: Exposure to the program was not associated with QoL but was consistently associated with sufficient levels of LTPA among adults from Vitoria, Brazil.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Awareness
  • Body Mass Index
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Chronic Disease / epidemiology
  • Chronic Disease / prevention & control
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Exercise / physiology
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Health Promotion / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Leisure Activities / psychology*
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Poisson Distribution
  • Program Evaluation
  • Quality of Life*
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Participation*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Walking / physiology
  • Young Adult