[Physical inactivity in young people during home confinement due to COVID-19]

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is a highly prevalent condition in the world and has been associated with increased susceptibility to develop comorbidities and present with severe respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors present in the family environment and the personal reasons associated with physical inactivity in young people during confinement at home due to COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study analyzed data from 1,326 young people, ages 15 - 18. To collect information, a questionnaire was constructed using the Google Forms tool and distributed through the WhatsApp application and email to collect the information. RESULTS: The prevalence of physical inactivity was 43.4%. Approximately 24.4% were overweight, and 8.8% were obese. Near 43.0% of young people reported living in an environment with a dysfunctional family. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that suffering from obesity, does not have space at home, or devices to exercise and present a change in emotions, are related to the physical inactivity of young people during confinement at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to promote a harmonious environment within the family and the personal development of a healthy lifestyle, during the period of application of the contingency plan due to the presence of a pandemic, in order to maintain a better healthy physical and mental state.