Prevalence and factors associated with sedentary behavior in the school recess among adolescents

ABSTRACT

To estimate the prevalence of sedentary behavior in school recess and to verify sociodemographic factors (sex, age, economic level and type of school), anthropometric indicators (body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference) and lifestyle (level of physical activity and eating habits) associated with adolescents. Method: A cross-sectional study with 583 adolescents (aged 11-17 years), from the city of Criciúma, Brazil. Sedentary behavior during school recess was self-reported. Sociodemographic and lifestyle information was obtained through a self-administered questionnaire. BMI was calculated and waist circumference was measured. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: The prevalence of sedentary behavior during school recess was 50.6% (male 44.5%, female 56.7%). Adolescents aged 14-17 years (male [OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.26-3.53], female [OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.46-4.34]), from private schools (male [OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.49-4.37], female [OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.23-3.78]) were more likely to remain in sedentary behavior during school recess. Girls with high waist circumference (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.01-2.84) and inadequate eating habits (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.05-4.24) were more likely to remain in sedentary behavior during school recess. Conclusion: Half of the adolescents presented sedentary behavior during school recess. Adolescents from private schools and in the age group of 14-17 years and girls with high waist circumference and inadequate eating habits were more likely to remain in sedentary behavior during school recess.(AU)