Relationship between vigorous physical activity and health care costs among adolescents: ABCD Growth Study

Author(s)

Torres, Wesley ; de Moraes Chagas, Lucas Gabriel ; Fernandes, Romulo Araujo ; Castanho Araujo, Monique Yndawe ; Urban, Jacqueline Bexiga ; Maillane-Vanegas, Santiago ; Turi-Lynch, Bruna Camilo ; Codogno, Jamile Sanches ; Anokye, Nana Kwame

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BMC PEDIATRICS; v. 22, n. 1, p. 9-pg., 2022-03-17.

Abstract

Background The relationship between physical activity and health care costs among adolescents is not yet clear in the literature. Objective To analyze the relationship between physical activity and annual health care costs among adolescents. Methods The present sample was composed of 85 adolescents of both sexes with ages ranging from 11 to 18 years (mean age 15.6 +/- 2.1). Health care costs were self-reported every month for 12 months, and information on health care values was verified with local pharmacies, private health care plans, and the National Health Service. The time spent in different physical activity intensities was objectively measured by accelerometers. Confounding variables were: sex, age, somatic maturation, body fatness, blood pressure, and components of dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Multivariate models were generated using generalized linear models with gamma distribution and a log-link function. Results The overall annual health care cost was US$ 733.60/ R$ 2,342.38 (medication: US$ 400.46 / R$ 1,278.66; primary and secondary care: US$ 333.14 / R$ 1,063.70). The time spent in vigorous physical activity (minutes/day) was negatively related to health care costs (r = -0.342 [95% CI: -0.537,-0.139]; beta = -0.06 cents (95% CI: -0.089, -0.031). Conclusion Vigorous physical activity seems to be associated with lower health care costs among adolescents. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/09131-4 - Mediator role of physical activity and C-reactive protein in the relationship between obesity and arterial thickening in adolescents: ABCD growth study
• Grantee: Wésley Torres
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 18/22593-7 - Impact of sports participation on adolescent bone health: ABCD - Growth Study
• Grantee: Rômulo Araújo Fernandes
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants