Introduction:

Physical activity levels determine health conditions and diseases in whole populations. The study attempts to determine the prevalence of physical activity (PA) levels in Paraguay and to identify factors associated with physical inactivity.

Methods:

A cross-sectional population-type survey with national representatively, included people aged between 15 and 74 years old. Sampling was probabilistic, tri-stage without replacement. STEPSwise was the methodology and survey applied during June-September 2011. The levels of physical activity were considered according to the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). The PA values were estimated in MET. The determined values were distributed according to sociodemographic and clinical variables. Logistic regression was made for estimate the association between the variables in odd ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

Results:

2536 participants were included. 27,2% of the population was inactive, 20,1% and 31,3% men and women, respectively. The groups that showed a higher prevalence of PA with statistically significant differences were: women, the age group over 55 years old, living in the urban area, having a higher level of studies and a higher level of income. Overweight and obesity were associated with a higher prevalence of physical inactivity, mainly in males.

Conclusions:

The study is the first to present the prevalence and differences of levels of global physical activity in Paraguay and related factors. This first step of surveillance of chronic diseases is very useful to provide a baseline for new interventions in public health.

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