Cross-sectional study on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical activity of Brazilian adults in the Southeast region

Objective: to gather information about physical activity practices, sleep quality, and the use of medications in the pandemic. Methods: a cross-sectional and prospective study was conducted, using an online survey form in the first semester of 2021, containing questions based on the Brazilian National Survey on Access, Use, and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines in Brazil questionnaire. The analyses by describing the prevalence of all the main questions, the Test of Equality of Two Proportions was used. Results: statistical analyses indicated changes during the pandemic period, with worse sleep quality among younger adults, as well as changes in habits related to physical activity practices. The most used medications were those for systemic arterial hypertension and diabetes. Participants also self-reported use of antidepressant medications during this period. Conclusion: it is concluded that the importance of physical activity for population health is clear, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, the practice of physical activity has experienced a significant decline, which has directly influenced public health. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the importance of physical activity for immunity, quality of life, and health.