Physical activity and sedentary behaviors associated factors in adolescents

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze factors associated with physical activity and sedentary behaviors in adolescents. The sample consisted of 1675 students (784 boys and 891 girls) ranging in age from 11-17 years from Caxias do Sul, RS. A questionnaire was applied to identify physical activity level (PAL, 3-day recall) and weekly hours of sedentary behavior. Low PAL was defined as energy expenditure less than 37 kcal/kg per day, and elevated sedentary behavior (ESB) was defined as more than 14 h/week watching TV, playing video games or using a computer. Chi-square test results indicated a higher prevalence of low PAL among girls (66.8%>43.2%, p<0.001), whereas the prevalence of ESB was higher among boys (89.6%>84.0%, p=0.001). Using a Poisson hierarchical regression model, low PAL was associated with up to 4 persons living at home (PR=1.21, 95%CI: 1.00-1.46) and low maternal PAL (PR=1.23, 95%CI: 1.00-1.53) among boys, and with age 15-17 years (PR=1.30, 95%CI: 1.18-1.44), up to 4 persons living at home (PR=1.17, 95%CI: 1.04-1.31), having a TV in the bedroom (PR=1.13, 95%CI: 1.02-1.25) and passive transport to school (PR=1.10, 95%CI: 1.00-1.22) among girls. In girls, ESB was associated with high parental educational level (PR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.01-1.16) and having a TV in the bedroom (PR=1.15, 95%CI: 1.08-1.22). The results suggest an association between socioeconomic measures and risk behaviors (low PAL and ESB). Knowledge about the factors associated with low PAL and ESB facilitates the implantation of more effective interventions in order to promote a more active lifestyle.