Physical Activity Level Among High School Students in Brazil

Abstract

1253 Very few studies have been developed in Brazil to determine the activity levels of large samples of the population. So far, none has been published utilizing representative, regional or national samples of adolescents. PURPOSE: To determine the proportion of high school students in the State of Santa Catarina that meet the health-related activity guidelines (300 min/week MVPA). METHODS: A representative sample of 5,085 students was randomly selected by a 3-stage cluster sampling process, and responded an extensive lifestyle questionnaire, including physical activity items adapted from the YRBSS. Analysis was done through the SPSS software, including descriptive and correlational procedures (Chi-square; p<0.5 significance level). RESULTS: Subject's age varied from 15 to 19 years old, and 59% were girls. More than half of the students (56%) was engaged in some type of paid work. The proportion of students that did not attend physical education classes was 48%, more among girls, and increasing with grade level. As for the proportion of those meeting the 300 min/week MVPA criterion, 70% (overall), 79% (boys), and 63% (girls). Students attending evening classes and/or working were less prone to meet the criterion. Body mass index and family income did not discriminate for physical activity levels. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that a large proportion of high school students in Santa Catarina did not meet the health-related criterion for moderate/vigorous physical activity, specially those with paid jobs, which represent the majority of the students in evening classes. Physical education programs should be adjusted to this reality, reverting the trend of decreasing numbers of students that attend PE classes.