Empowering Physical Activity in Puerto Rico: Recommendations for Research, Surveillance, and Policy Development
Abstract Overview
Background: In Puerto Rico (PR), chronic diseases account for over half of all deaths, with physical inactivity being a major risk factor. In the Americas, the median deaths attributed to physical inactivity in this region are 9.4%, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to 1) describe the 2015 and 2020 physical activity (PA) profile of PR, and 2) propose recommendations for promoting PA research, policy, and surveillance in Puerto Rico.
Methods: A comparison of 2015 and 2020 data from the PR Country Card provided by the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA) was conducted. Country Cards data is collected from reputable sources such as the World Bank, the United Nations, research databases, and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS). The methodology ensured standardized indicators for global comparability. Country contacts identified and facilitated data collection and review—a meticulously revised process involving country representatives and GoPA experts. Country Card data consisted of demographics, mortality, PA prevalence, surveillance, policy status, and research indicators.
Results: In 2015, the BRFSS data indicated a PA prevalence of 34% in PR, decreasing by 20% in 2020. No data on mortality due to inactivity and no national standalone plan focused on PA was available. From 2015 to 2020, research output experienced a slight increase, with a change in global ranking from 61st to 58th position.
Conclusions: The PR Country Card is valuable for raising awareness by identifying critical gaps in PA surveillance, research, and policy.
Practical implications: Proposed recommendations include establishing a dedicated PA health monitoring system, integrating PA into standalone national public health plan initiatives, and establishing an inter-institutional coalition for PA research. Multi-sector efforts from policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders are crucial toward meaningful progress in improving PA engagement and mitigating chronic disease in PR.
Funding: N/A
Additional Authors
Name: Alexandre de Paula da Silva
Affiliation: Pontificia Universidade de Catolica do Parana. Post Graduate Program in Health Sciences. School of Medicine. Grupo de Pesquisa em Atividade FÃsica e Qualidade de Vida. Curitiba, Brazil
Presenting Author: no
Name: Milena Silva
Affiliation: Prevention Research Center; People Health and Place Unit; Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Presenting Author: no
Name: Ana Favarão Leão
Affiliation: Department of Architecture and Urbanism, State University of Londrina (UEL); Londrina, PR, Brazil
Presenting Author: no
Name: Farah Ramirez-Marrero
Affiliation: Department of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Puerto Rico – Rio Piedras, PR
Presenting Author: no
Name: Eugen Resendiz-Bontrud
Affiliation: School of Architecture, Art and Design at Tecnológico de Monterrey
Presenting Author: no
Information
Study Type: Measurement or surveillance
Subtheme: Systems / cross-sector partnerships
Population Group: Adults, People with chronic conditions, Disadvantaged groups
Setting: Whole System
Submitting Author
Raul Gierbolini-Rivera
PhD Student
Prevention Research Center, Washington University in St. Louis
United States
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