Abstract
To estimate the proportion of physically active adolescents and identify associated factors.The sample was composed of 2,874 high school students (public and private schools) aged 14 to 19 years in the city of João Pessoa, Northeastern Brazil. Physical activity level was measured by means of a questionnaire and considered physically active if > 300 minutes/week. Sociodemographic variables were analyzed, as well as nutritional status, sedentary behavior, self-report of health status and participation in physical education classes. The prevalence ratio was used as association measure, estimated by means of Poisson regression.The prevalence of physical activity was 50.2% (95%CI: 47.3;53.1). Male adolescents were more physically active than female adolescents (66.3% vs. 38.5%; p<0.001). The factors directly associated with practice of physical activity were: father's higher level of schooling for the male sex and mother's higher level of schooling for the female sex, positive self-reported health status, and participation in physical education classes.The majority of the adolescents was classified as physically active, particularly the male youths. Adolescents with parents whose level of schooling was higher, with positive health status perception, and who participated in physical education classes were more likely to be physically active.
Highlights
Physical inactivity is considered one of the most important public health problems of the 21st century.[3]
The factors directly associated with practice of physical activity were: father’s higher level of schooling for the male sex and mother’s higher level of schooling for the female sex, positive self-reported health status, and participation in physical education classes
Adolescents with parents whose level of schooling was higher, with positive health status perception, and who participated in physical education classes were more likely to be physically active
Summary
Physical inactivity is considered one of the most important public health problems of the 21st century.[3] Besides being an important component for a healthy lifestyle and for health promotion, physical activity plays a role in the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases.[25]. Adolescence is a critical period in relation to physical activity. The proportion of physically inactive adolescents is high,[16] even though this is considered the most physically active population group. The health risks associated with low levels of physical activity in adolescents are well known, as well as the benefits deriving from this practice, when it is performed in a sufficient and regular way.[11,20] The individual’s physical activity habits during adolescence can predict the level of physical activity practice in adulthood.[11]
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