[The factors associated with physical inactivity in a city in southern Brazil]

This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of and factors associated with gender-related physical inactivity in an urban area of a city in southern Brazil.

Data was obtained from a survey monitoring risk factors regarding chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD) in adults living in Maringá, Paraná, and the random sampling of 453 people living in the chosen urban area.

The sample involved 351 women and 102 men; women's physical inactivity rate was 87.5 % and 86.3 % for men. Multivariate regression stated that women aged 50 to 59 years of age were physically active (p=0.01) and those having received 0-8 years of education had become inactive during their leisure time (p=0.02). Compared to males, women who reported being ex-smokers were classified as being active (p=0.03) and those who recognized their state of health as fair were classified as having become inactive during their spare time (p=0.04).

Inactivity was thus observed amongst both males and females in the target population, even though risk varied and there were distinct protection levels; this would therefore soon become a modifiable risk factor. NCD prevention and control measures must thus be taken through surveillance strategies and monitoring the population's health status.