The correlates of meeting physical activity recommendations: a population-based cross-sectional study

The aim of this study was to identify correlated factors which explain the recommended level of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) among Portuguese adults. Subjects aged 31-60 years (972 males, 1195 females) were categorized, based on LTPA data obtained using a questionnaire, into two groups according to the PA recommendation for PA: ≥ 10 or < 10 MET · hr · wk(-1). Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were applied to the results. For men, the perception of an active lifestyle [odds ratio (OR) = 4.61, 95% CI:3.13-6.81, p <0.001], having an excellent perception of health (OR = 3.14, 95% CI:1.28-7.71, p =0.013), perception of being sufficiently active (OR = 2.16, 95% CI:1.53-3.05, p <0.001), and having a high socio-economic status (SES) (OR = 1.86, 95% CI:1.22-2.81, p =0.004) were associated with attaining the recommended level of PA. For women, the perception of an active lifestyle (OR = 3.68, 95% CI:2.63-5.15, p <0.001), and middle SES (OR = 1.50, 95% CI:1.07-2.11, p =0.018) were positive and associated with meeting PA recommendations. Unlike men, women with body mass index (BMI) 25-29.9 kg/m(2) were more likely to attain the recommended level of PA than those with BMI <25 kg/m(2). The incidence of adults that met the recommended amount of PA is low. Men and women had different patterns of psychological and socio-demographic correlates. An intervention designed to improve the levels of PA among Portuguese adults may take these correlates into account.