1. Dropout = 12% for intervention and 9% for control group
>>>>
Group of Studies and Researches in Physical Activity Epidemiology – University of Sao Paulo
INTERVENTION FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROMOTION IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SETTINGS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH PERCEPTION OF ENVIRONMENT IN BRAZILIAN ADULTS
Alex A Florindo, Emanuel P Salvador, Evelyn F Costa
Group of Studies and Researches in Physical Activity Epidemiology – University of Sao Paulo -
Background
The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in the perception of the environment for physical activity in adults that received an intervention for physical activity promotion during home visits by Community Health Workers.
Methods
This study was denominated “Active Environment” < and is a non-randomized controlled trial for physical activity promotion in primary health care settings in east zone in Sao Paulo city, Brazil.
We conducted an intervention with Community Health Workers. These health professionals were trained for physical activity promotion in home visits and visited adults which were users of the health system after training. We had a control group of adults without any intervention.
Sample of health system users that were evaluated
In total we had n=90 people in the intervention group and n=86 people in the control group. The intervention was composed of at least one home visit for physical activity promotion during six months.
Evaluation of environmental perception
The perception of the environment for physical activity was evaluated by a scale with 38 questions and seven scores (1. Facilities; 2. Traffic safety; 3. General safety; 4. Social support; 5. General pollution; 6. Sidewalks; 7. Green areas).
Data Analysis:
These variables were evaluated before and after six months of intervention. Statistical analysis was done by comparing means (parametric and non parametric test) of scores intra-group and inter-groups with intention–to-treat.
Results
In the first evaluation, the groups were different regarding facilities (p=0.001) and general safety scores (p=0.007), with the intervention group having higher scores. After six months of intervention, the results were maintained for facilities and safety scores, but the intervention group had higher scores for sidewalks in comparison with controls. The intra-group analysis showed that the intervention group increased their sidewalks score (p=0.003) and decreased their facilities scores (p=0.003), but the control group increased their pollution score (p=0.001).
Dropout = 12% for intervention and 9% for control group
Conclusions
The adults which received an intervention for physical activity promotion changed their sidewalk score, and scores for facilities and general safety were different between intervention and control group. The variables of perception of the environment for physical activity may be important for interventions for physical activity promotion in primary health care settings in developing countries.
References
Florindo AA, Costa EF, Sa TH, Santos TI, Velardi M, Andrade DR. Physical Activity Promotion in Primary Health Care in Brazil: A Counseling Model Applied to Community Health Workers. J Phys Act Health (in press).
Research funded by FAPESP (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo - State of São Paulo Research Foundation) – Procedural No. 2009/
Grants for participation in HEPA meeting funded by CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Federal Foundation) – Procedural AEX /1.