Prevalence of physical inactivity among the Xavante of Central Brazil

INTRODUCTION:  A number of modifications in the health profile of the indigenous population in Brazil have been observed in recent decades, with the persistence of infectious and parasitic diseases accompanied by the emergence of non-communicable diseases such as obesity and hypertension. Physical inactivity and changes in eating habits are among the main factors associated with this latter group of conditions. The aim of this study was to characterize the patterns of physical inactivity and associated variables in individuals of both sexes over 18 years of age in two indigenous Xavante villages in Central Brazil.

METHODS:  The physical activity pattern of the population was evaluated by survey in February 2011 using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Anthropometric and socio-demographic data were also collected. In the first stage, the prevalence rates of physical inactivity were calculated according to participant’s sex. To assess whether the observed differences in prevalence rates were statistically significant,Confidence Intervals between variables were calculated by means of Poisson Regression with robust variance at the 5.0% significance level.

RESULTS:  The overall prevalence of physical inactivity was 18.7%, being higher among men (23.1%) than women (14.2%). For both men and women greater prevalence rates of physical inactivity were observed in older age groups. In general, the prevalence of physical inactivity was similar to that reported for indigenous populations in other countries. With respect to physical inactivity patterns according to sex, Xavante women were less physically inactive than men, which is a different pattern than has been documented for other indigenous peoples. No associations were found between physical activity and anthropometric and socio-demographic variables.

CONCLUSIONS:  The observed elevated rates appear to be part of a larger process of socioeconomic change and to contribute to the nutritional transition documented elsewhere for the Xavante population.