Equity in Workforce Distribution: Analysis of Physical Education Professionals Using the Social Vulnerability Index

Abstract

Objective: To present the rate of Physical Education Professionals in the Unified Health System per inhabitant across the Federative Units, macro-regions, and Brazil as a whole, and to analyze the distribution of these professionals based on the Social Vulnerability Index. Methods: This is an ecological study using secondary data related to the number of Physical Education Professionals, the Social Vulnerability Index, and national, regional, and state population figures. A correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between the Social Vulnerability Index and the rate of Physical Education Professionals per 10,000 inhabitants for the years 2017, 2021, and 2025. Results: In 2017, Brazil had 5,932 Physical Education Professionals; in 2021, there were 7,059; and in 2025, 12,145, representing an increase of 104.7% over the analyzed period. Among the Federative Units, Minas Gerais had the highest proportion, accounting for 15.14% (2017), 14.73% (2021), and 13.99% (2025). Regarding macro-regions, the Northeast showed the highest proportion, with 38.32% (2017), 37.04% (2021), and 40.41% (2025). The correlation analysis between the rate of Physical Education Professionals per 10,000 inhabitants and the Social Vulnerability Index revealed a weak positive correlation in all three years analyzed—2017 (0.177), 2021 (0.192), and 2025 (0.379). Conclusion: The rate of Physical Education Professionals per 10,000 inhabitants varied among Brazilian Federative Units and macro-regions, revealing disparities across the country and highlighting the need to create and strengthen public policies aimed at increasing the inclusion of these professionals in the public health system.