Citation

Coll CD, Knuth AG, Bastos JP, Hallal PC, Bertoldi AD. J. Adolesc. Health 2014; 54(2): 209-213.

Affiliation

Social Medicine Department, Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil. Electronic address: carolinavncoll@gmail.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.08.010

PMID

24161586

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate time trends in physical activity among adolescents aged 10 to 19 years living in southern Brazil over a 7-year period. METHODS: Two population-based cross-sectional surveys with similar methodologies were carried out in the city of Pelotas, Brazil, in 2005 and 2012. Leisure-time and transport-related physical activity were measured using a validated questionnaire. A cut-off point of 300 minutes per week was used to classify adolescents as active or not. We also analyzed the two domains of physical activity (leisure time and transportation) separately. RESULTS: The prevalence of physical inactivity was 69.6% (95% CI 66.5-73.2) in 2005 and 69.9% (95% CI 66.5-72.7) in 2012. The percentage of active adolescents in leisure time also remained stable in the period (26.3% in 2005 [95% CI 23.3-29.2] vs. 28.1% in 2012 [95% CI 24.9-31.4]). Among boys, we observed an increase in the practice of some leisure-time activities-weight lifting (87%) and running (78%)-and a decline in others-volleyball (61%) and basketball (56%). Among girls, the only significant difference was an increase in the practice of weight lifting (271%). The prevalence of active commuting to and from school declined from 69% (95% CI 65.6-72.4) in 2005 to 56.5% (95% CI 52.5-60.2) in 2012. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant decline in active commuting to school among adolescents. Interventions promoting active commuting modes to school are urgently needed in Brazil.

Language: en