Abstract
Physical activity and diet are related to several health outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze physical activity (PA) and diet patterns among Brazilian schoolchildren attending private or public schools. A cross-sectional, school-based study of elementary schoolchildren aged 7-10 years old (n = 2,936) was carried out in Florianopolis (southern Brazil). Self-reported food consumption and PA patterns were assessed by means of a questionnaire. A higher percentage of girls than boys met the recommendations for consumption of fruits and vegetables and limited their consumption of sweets and soft drinks. Boys reported higher PA levels than girls (P < 0.001). Children attending private schools were more likely to be in the highest tertile of PA (odds ratio = 1.53, 1.14-2.05) and 80% less likely to be active in commuting to school compared to public school students. Private schoolchildren were more likely to meet recommendations for fruits and vegetables, limit sweet consumption, report adequate meal frequency and no consumption of fast food or soft drinks. In summary, girls and private schoolchildren reported better eating patterns, while boys and private schoolchildren reported higher PA levels. Such results highlight the public school setting as a target for health promotion initiatives, along with other strategies, in developing countries.
Highlights
Physical activity (PA) and eating behaviors are of particular public and research interest because they encompass common daily activities
A significantly higher percentage of private schoolchildren met recommendations for fruits/vegetables and limited consumption of sweets, whereas public schoolchildren reported a higher frequency of eating starchy foods six or more times a day
Fewer public schoolchildren reported no fast food or soft drink consumption compared to children from private schools
Summary
Physical activity (PA) and eating behaviors are of particular public and research interest because they encompass common daily activities. Obesity has a multifactorial origin, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet have been postulated as important determinants of obesity in both adults and youths[1], given that its increased prevalence has paralleled the rapid lifestyle changes of the population in the modern world They are considered target behaviors for youth health promotion aimed at preventing obesity, diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors[2,3]. Few studies have assessed differences in food habits and PA levels according to type of school[12,13,14] This topic is of utmost interest, given that type of school (private vs public) is related to socioeconomic level in developing countries and that government policies primarily target economically disadvantaged individuals
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Revista Brasileira de Cineantropometria e Desempenho Humano
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
