[Projeto ESPAÇOS de Curitiba, Brazil: applicability of mixed research methods and geo-referenced information in studies about physical activity and built environments].

Objective: To describe the methods employed to assess the built environment and physical activity (PA) as part of a multicenter international study, and to discuss the challenges faced to obtain the necessary data in the Brazilian context.

Methods: In 2010 a household survey was conducted with adults aged from 20 to 65 years in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. The study involved the used of geo-referenced information to measure walkability in all 2 125 census sectors in Curitiba. Census sectors were categorized by walkability and income, taking into consideration the average income of heads of the family in each sector. Physical activity was assessed by self- report and using an objective measure (accelerometers).

Results: Sixteen high walkability and 16 low walkability sectors were studied, with eight high-income and eight low-income sectors in each category. A total of 699 subjects were interviewed and 381 wore accelerometers. The response rate was 66.4% for the interviews and the compliance with accelerometer use was 85.8% (n = 327).

Conclusions: The results show that it is feasible to conduct high-quality studies on physical activity and built environment in the Brazilian context in accordance with international standards.