Adherence, Adhesion, and Dropout Reasons of a Physical Activity Program in a High Social Vulnerability Context

One of the most important health determinants is social vulnerability, which can interfere in the practice of physical activity (PA). This study aimed at analyzing adherence to a PA program in a high social vulnerability context.

A longitudinal study with a 6-month intervention period was conducted. The program offered monitored walks associated with behavioral change educational campaigns. Sociodemographic characteristics, occupation, PA level, noncommunicable chronic diseases, participants' frequency of participation in the program, and intervention dropout reasons were evaluated. Descriptive and survival analyses were accomplished.

Among the 106 participants, 88.0% were female and 21.7% were older adults. The most mentioned participation reasons were health improvement (23.0%), weight loss (19.0%), disease control (17.0%), and social living (12%). The mean frequency of participation in the program was 27.4%. Dropout rate was 52.7%. The main reported reasons for dropping out were work hours (27.8%), health problems (25.9%), personal reasons (22.2%), and lack of time (11.1%). Factors associated with remaining in the program were being older adults and presenting body mass index <25 kg/m².

Results showed that in a high social vulnerability context, adherence to PA programs is low, and adult-life-related commitments and high levels of obesity are factors associated with lower adherence.