Assessment of the associated factors to the green area’s attendance in a brazilian city: a cross-sectional study

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.20164003372381

Abstract

Green areas (GA) contribute to improving the quality of life, can reduce temperature extremes, lessen the perception
of noise, retain dust, and increase the permeability of the urban area, offering a nice space for physical activity and
social interaction between many other benefits. It is a space that behaves as a promoter of health. The aim of this study
was to evaluate which variables are associated with the GA attendance in Mogi Mirim, SP. It was conducted a cross-
sectional study to verify the values of the Odds Ratios of significant variables associated with the GA attendance. Data
were collected by random sampling of households, through structured questionnaire to 262 adults, between February
and August 2012. The technique applied was logistic regression to describe the association between the dependent
variable, AV attendance at least once a week and the set of explanatory variables. Of the respondents, 47% of the
sample attends GA, at least once a week. Variables that showed significant positive association with the GA use were:
have a dog (OR = 1.88; 95%CI: 1.13 – 3.15) and, own garden at home (OR = 1.83; 95%CI: 1.08 – 3.11. The variable that
showed a significant negative association was use the bus as a primary means of transportation (OR = 0.51; 95%CI: 0.29
– 0.89. This research explored and presented a research methodology for assessing the socioeconomic characteristics
of the population and possible associations with use of GA. Thus, it is an important resource, little found in the national
literature, which must be replicated in order to stimulate this essential practice of health promotion..