ASSOCIATION OF SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK OF OUTDOOR GYM USERS: USE OF PUBLIC PARKS FOR HEALTH CARE

This study aimed to verify the association between sociodemographic and behavioral factors with cardiovascular risk (CR) in outdoor gym users. Sixty-nine volunteers were interviewed (27 men 50.3 ± 15.0 years old, and 42 women 46.2 ± 14.1 years old). A semi-structured form was applied to obtain sociodemographic information, lifestyle, and self-reported chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). To assess the CR for the practice of physical activity (PA), the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) was used. The results showed that 66.7% of the users were able (PAR-Q negative), and 33.3% required medical evaluation before performing PA (PAR-Q positive). For individuals aged below 50 years, there was less need for a medical evaluation before starting PA programs (OR = 12.1; p<0.001); however, individuals who reported having NCDs were more likely to need to see a doctor before starting PA programs (OR = 6.5; p<0.001). A higher prevalence of alcohol consumption was observed for individuals able to practice PA (OR= 4.0; p<0.041). Given the associations found, pre-assessment of CR and implementation of community programs of supervised exercise practice for user safety are recommended.