Sociodemographic factors and physical fitness associated with low levels of physical activity in adolescents in southern Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the sociodemographic factors and physical fitness associated with low levels of physical activity among adolescents from a city in southern Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study with a random sample of 1081 adolescents from Criciúma, Santa Catarina State. The energy expenditure was estimated with the questionnaire of Bouchard et al. (1983). Sociodemographic variables and physical fitness variables were analyzed. Prevalence ratios (PR) and confidence intervals of 95% (CI 95%) were estimated. Boys had higher energy expenditure (40.0 ± 4.4 kcal / kg) compared to girls (39.2 ± 4.2 kcal / kg) (p <0.05). Boys with high-economic level and girls with intermediate and high economic level aged 10-12 years and with low aerobic fitness were more likely to be physically inactive. Interventions in the school environment such as stimulating physical activity and sports during leisure time can elevate the levels of physical activity among adolescents.