Background: Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) are key determinants of health outcomes in individuals living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, the influence of sociodemographic and clinical factors on engagement in these behaviors is not yet well understood.
Objective: This study aimed to analyze the associations of sociodemographic factors, body mass index, and both the duration and age at diagnosis of diabetes with SB, light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in Brazilian adults.
Design and setting: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Diabetes and Metabolism Service of a public secondary care unit in Rio de Janeiro.
Methods: One hundred adults diagnosed with T1D had their daily awake time spent in SB, LPA, and MVPA measured using triaxial accelerometers. Sociodemographic and clinical factors were assessed using questionnaires. Generalized Linear Models were used to analyze the relationships of these factors with SB, LPA, and MVPA.
Results: Significant associations were found between age, education level, and employment status with SB and LPA, but not with MVPA. On average, each additional year of age was associated with decreased time in SB and increased time in LPA. Higher education levels and unemployment were linked to more SB and less time in LPA.
Conclusions: Age, education level, and employment status emerged as key sociodemographic predictors of SB and LPA in Brazilian adults living with T1D. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the sociodemographic determinants associated with SB and PA in individuals diagnosed with T1D.