Prevalence of sedentary behaviour among adolescents from a private school

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction and Purpose: the sedentarism is associated with the increase of several chronic diseases. This study's objective is to identify the prevalence and the factors associated with the sedentary behavior in adolescents. Methods: participation of 62 adolescents either males or females, with ages between 10 to 14 years old, from a private school, whose study in the elementary school. Dietary data, physical activity pattern and nutritional status were collected. Those who dedicated 2 hours or more per day in passive activities were classified as sedentaries. Results: 62 adolescents with an average age of 12,1 ± 1,2 years old participated in the study, 58,1% were females,. The prevalence of the sedentary behavior (more than 2 hours of passive activities per day) was of 54,8% in week days and 74,2% in weekends. This behavior showed no difference between genders. The average of hours spent in sedentary activities was 3 hours and 20 minutes in week days and 5 hours and 15 minutes in weekends. The age and the weight were the variables that were positively correlated with the time spent in passive activities in week days and weekends (p < 0,05). Conclusion: seven in every ten adolescents dedicate more than two hours per day in weekends in sedentary activities and practice less than 300 minutes of physical activities per week, not using this time to practice sports. Campaigns elucidating the importance of physical activities and the decrease of sedentary behavior are necessary in order to reduce potential health risks in adulthood.