Association between sociodemographic characteristics and the use of physical activity facilities: a cross-sectional study in the municipality of San Bernardo (Chile)
e202606035
Keywords:
Exercise, Health Promotion, Public policy, Recreational parks, Urban physical activity equipmentAbstract
BACKGROUND // Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for chronic disease and premature mortality. In response, Chilean public services have implemented urban infrastructure (such as bike paths and outdoor gyms) to promote physical activity. However, little is known about the determinants that influence their actual use, which poses a critical challenge for designing effective strategies and public policies aimed at maximizing their health impact.
METHODS // A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Healthy Environments Survey (San Bernardo, Chile, 2021-2022) with 786 adults. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between the use of physical activity equipment and demographic, sociocultural, informational, and occupational factors.
RESULTS // Only 17.7% of participants reported using at least one type of urban equipment. In the adjusted model, significant predictors were younger age (ORa 14.7; 95%CI: 6.7-33.6), male sex (ORa 3.2; 95%CI: 2.0-5.2), knowledge of available facilities (ORa 2.2; 95%CI: 1.4-3.5), and time availability (ORa 12.6; 95%CI: 6.7-24.2). Community participation and educational level were not significant.
CONCLUSIONS // The limited use of these spaces cannot be explained solely by their availability, but probably by associated social, informational, and structural factors. Different strategies need to be explored according to age, sex, and working conditions, along with actions to improve dissemination, accessibility, and efficiency of their implementation in Public Health.
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