Barriers to physical activity among users of psychoactive substances

Abstract

Objective: To verify the barriers that influence the non-performance of physical activity in free time among users of psychoactive substances.

Methods: 144 individuals with a mean age of 44.3±12.6 years were interviewed by answering a questionnaire that checks the barriers to physical activity. The Chi-square test of independence was applied accepting a p<0.05 as significant.

Results: The data showed that there is an association between the sentences of the questionnaire and the response pattern of individuals [x2(13)=193.88; p≤0.001]. Significance was found as a barrier to physical activity the physical tiredness, lack of company, lack of family incentive and involvement of mild pain or discomfort. On the other hand, lack of time, climatic factor, non-availability in the environment, non-availability of equipment, and lack of physical ability were significantly pointed out as not being barriers to the practice of physical activity in users of psychoactive substances.

Conclusion: From these data it will be possible to establish more effective strategies for the promotion of physical activity in this population.