Physical activity patterns in a representative sample of adolescents from the largest city in Latin America: a cross-sectional study in Sao Paulo

Author(s)

Ferrari, Gerson ; Rezende, Leandro F. M. ; Wagner, Gabriela Arantes ; Florindo, Alex A. ; Peres, Maria Fernanda Tourinho

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BMJ OPEN; v. 10, n. 9, p. 8-pg., 2020-01-01.

Abstract

Objectives We examined the patterns of total and domain-specific physical activity (PA) by sex, socioeconomic status and maternal education level in adolescents from Sao Paulo city, Brazil. Design Cross-sectional study. Participants We included a representative sample of 2682 (52.2% boys) adolescents aged 14-15 years from public and private schools in Sao Paulo, 2017. Socioeconomic status was assessed using a wealth index derived from principal component analysis. Descriptive analyses evaluated differences in total and domain-specific PA by sex, socioeconomic status and maternal education level. Outcome measures We collected data on the frequency and duration that adolescents spent in each PA domain (active transportation, leisure PA and physical education classes) through a self-report questionnaire. Results On average, adolescents spent 197.7 min/week (95% CI 190.6-204.8) in total PA. The proportion of adolescents achieving at least 60 min/day (>= 420 min/week) was 12.7% (95% CI 11.4-14.1), with a higher prevalence in boys (18.3%) and in those with higher socioeconomic status (17.4%). Similar patterns were observed for leisure PA and physical education classes. Active transportation was higher in girls (46.0 min/week; 95% CI 42.6-49.6) than in boys (43.4 min/week, 95% CI 39.9-46.6). Boys and adolescents with higher socioeconomic status and higher maternal education level had higher levels of total PA. Conclusions We found a variation in patterns of total and domain-specific PA by sex, socioeconomic status and maternal education level in adolescents from Sao Paulo. Initiatives for promoting PA in adolescents should take these findings into account. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/22259-4 - Risk and protective factors for adolescent violent behaviour in Sao Paulo, Brazil - The Sao Paulo Project on the Social Development of Children
• Grantee: Maria Fernanda Tourinho Peres
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants