Associação entre a prática de atividade física e a utilização dos serviços de urgência e emergência: um estudo longitudinal de base populacional em Pelotas/RS

Abstract

Regular physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits. However, a large proportion of the population does not meet the minimum recommendations suggested by major health organizations. Studies indicate that physical inactivity is associated not only with an increase the number of in diseases but also with greater utilization of health services. Nevertheless, few studies have explored the association with the use of urgent and emergency services. This study aimed to evaluate the prospective association between leisure-time and commuting physical activity and the use of urgent and emergency services in the city of Pelotas, Brazil. This was a population based prospective cohort study with adults living in the urban area of Pelotas (“EAI PELOTAS?” Study). Data collection occurred in 2021 (baseline) and 2022 (follow-up). Physical activity was assessed at baseline using the leisure-time and commuting domains of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The use of urgent and emergency services was obtained at follow-up, through self-reports referring to the 12 months prior to the interview. Poisson regression models were used to evaluate the association between the exposure and outcome, according to a hierarchical model adjusted for sociodemographic and morbidities variables. The analytical sample included 3,461 individuals. No consistent associations were observed between physical activity and the use of emergency services. The associations of leisure-time physical activity with a reduction in the outcome was not statistically significant; however, an increase in the outcome was observed among individuals who engaged in commuting physical activity. Future studies are needed to understand this relationship and expand of the exposure and outcome monitoring.