LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND PERCEIVED BARRIERS TO PRACTICE PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AMONG MILITARY POLICE

Abstract

This research describes levels of physical activity and perceived barriers to phy- sical activities of military police in Feira de Santana, Bahia. This is a cross sectional study, with a sample of 316 subjects. The results showed that in regard to physical activity, 37% of the military police are inactive, no significant difference related to gender and age. Among perceived barriers to practice physical activity stood out: family commitments (39.2%), the workday (36.7%), lack of equipment (30.4%), unsafe environment (26.9%), lack of company (25.6%), housework (20.6%) and lack of financial resources (20.3%). The prevalence of inactive police was higher among those who perceived personal barriers, adjusted by gender, age, and by environmental, social and financial barriers (OR: 1.5; CI95%: 1.00-2.26).