Physical Activity Incentive in Primary Health Care: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study of its Implementation in Brazil, 2022-2025

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the implementation of the physical activity incentive in primary health care in Brazil from October 2022 to September 2025.

Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study based on data from the ‘eGestor Atenção Primária’ system. The variables analyzed included the number of accredited and funded health units, the proportion between them, and the nominal amount paid. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted using absolute and relative frequency measures, considering both monthly data and the total period (36 months).

Results: The number of accredited health units began at 8,212, reached 21,785, and by September 2025 decreased to 6,246. The proportion of funded health units remained below 30% for most of the months analyzed. Across the entire period, only 27.5% of accredited health units received funding. From a financial perspective, the total nominal investment amounted to BRL157.7 million.

Discussion: Approximately one in four accredited health units received funding. The amount disbursed was far below the available budget, which exceeded BRL 463.0 million. Dscussion of the incentive should consider issues such as accreditation via a letter of adherence, the establishment or strengthening of institutional support, involvement of social control, and changes in the method of resource transfer, including permanent and variable components, among others.

Conclusion: The implementation was found to be in its early stages, underscoring the need to reformulate the physical activity incentive to ensure the achievement of its objectives.