This study focused on the prevalence and determinants of leisure-time sedentary lifestyle in the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. A cross-sectional design was used in a sample of 2,292 adults > 20 years of age, of whom 1,271 (55.0%) were females. Leisure-time sedentary lifestyle was defined by individuals who, in a live interview, stated that they performed no physical activity during their leisure time in a normal week. Initially, total prevalence of leisure-time sedentary lifestyle in the study population was calculated by variables associated and stratified by sex. Then, the prevalence ratio between leisure-time sedentary lifestyle, age, schooling, and marital status stratified by sex was calculated. A 95% confidence interval was used. Prevalence of leisure-time sedentary lifestyle was 72.5% and was more frequent in women 40-50 years of age and men over 60, individuals with limited schooling, and married, separated, and widowed individuals. The findings are relevant for public health, since they can be used both to identify high levels of leisure-time sedentary lifestyle in the Brazilian population as well as the determinants, thus allowing new intervention strategies to be implemented.
Leisure Activities; Motor Activity; Life Style; Adults
