Exposure to Smartphones and Tablets, Physical Activity and Sleep in Children From 5 to 10 Years Old: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to verify the association between smartphone/tablet exposure and physical activity and sleep in children from 5 to 10 years old. Data Source: This study followed the guidelines of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and included studies that met eligibility criteria based on the "PECO" strategy: participants (children from 5 to 10 years old), exposure (smartphone and tablet use), and outcome (physical activity and sleep).

STUDY INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA

The inclusion criteria were observational studies published in indexed scientific journals and written in Portuguese, English, and Spanish that verified the association of exposure to smartphones/tablets with physical activity and sleep in children aged 5 to 10 years of both sexes. Studies were considered eligible only if they met the previous criteria. Data Extraction: The search was conducted in January 2023 on databases from electronic journals without the restriction of the period. To meta-analyze were extracted and grouped using models of fixed and random effects, the coefficients Odds Ratio (OR), Beta (β), Standard Error (SE), and Confidence Intervals of 95% (95%CI). Data Synthesis: 2396 potentially relevant papers were identified, and 17 met the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

It can be verified that there was an inverse association between smartphones with physical activity and sleep. Studies indicate that for every additional hour of smartphone and tablet use, sleep can be expected to decrease by an average of 11 minutes (β = - 0.11; 95%CI = -0.13; -0.09). Children using smartphones and tablets were 1.79 times (OR = 1.79; 95%CI = 1.72-1.86) more likely to have shorter sleep duration and 1.53 times (OR = 1.53; 95%CI = 1.41-1.65) more likely to have worse sleep quality. Children with shorter smartphone and tablet usage were 1.19 times more likely to be active (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.03-1.37).

CONCLUSION

Children of 5 to 10 years who are more often exposed to smartphones and tablets are prone to have worse quality and quantity of sleep, as well as less practice of physical activity. Health promotion actions can be encouraged based on the results, aiming to reduce the use time of these devices and improve children's health and quality of life.

Do patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery modify their objectively measured physical activity? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a chronic disease associated with adverse outcomes and its prevalence is increasing, which makes it a concern. One of the obesity treatment options is bariatric surgery, which effectively reduces calorie absorption and total body mass, but its effects on physical activity (PA) levels need to be clarified, considering the protective effect of the PA against cardiovascular disease, independently of the weight loss alone.

OBJECTIVES

To carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies that evaluated PA in pre- and post-bariatric surgery periods through objective evaluation.

METHODS

A systematic search was carried out following the PRISMA criteria of studies with adult individuals who underwent bariatric surgery and were objectively evaluated for PA pre- and post-surgery. Studies with interventions were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 419 records were found, and after excluding duplicates and applying the eligibility criteria, 10 studies remained. This meta-analysis found a significant increase in the steps by day (MD = 1340; 95% CI = 933.90; 1745.35, p < 0.001) and the light physical activity level (MD = 16.8 min/day; 95% CI = 2.60; 30.98, p = 0.02), but not in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MD = 0.24; 95% CI = -0.08; 1.57, p = 0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing bariatric surgery increased their steps by day and light physical activity but did not increase moderate to vigorous physical activity.

Clustering of health risk behaviors in pregnant individuals: Data from the Brazilian risk factor surveillance system for non-communicable chronic diseases

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clustering of health risk behaviors (HRB) and its association with demographics, physical exercise, overweight, perception of health, and diseases in Brazilian pregnant people.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a cross-sectional study using data from the Risk Factor Surveillance System for Non-communicable Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (VIGITEL), the main health survey in Brazil.

METHODS

We used data on fruit and vegetable consumption, TV time, tobacco, and alcohol abuse in individuals who reported being pregnant (n = 4553). We used latent class analysis to identify optimal HRB clustering among participants. Multinomial regression (odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence intervals [95%CI]) was applied to identify factors associated with HRB cluster.

RESULTS

Three clustering classes were identified: "without HRB cluster" (i.e., least unhealthy behaviors) (n = 2402, 52,8%), "moderate HRB cluster" (n = 1983, 43,5%), and "high HRB cluster" (i.e., most unhealthy behaviors) (n = 168, 3,7%). Pregnant people aged 35-50 years (OR = 1.89, 95%CI = 1.01; 3.52) who did not practice physical exercise (OR = 1.94, 95%CI 1.11; 3.39) were more likely to be classified as "high HRB cluster". Participants with 9-11 years (OR = 0.11, 95%CI = 0.07; 0.17) and ≥ 12 (OR = 0.05, 95%CI = 0.02; 0.11) years of education had a lower likelihood of being in the "high HRB cluster".

CONCLUSION

Three HRB clustering patterns were found in this study. Greater maternal age, low education, and absence of physical exercises increased the chances of being in the high HRB cluster group. Participants with higher educational levels were less likely to be in the High HRB cluster.

Is Binge Drinking Associated With Specific Types of Exercise and Free Time Sports? A Pooled Analysis With 718,147 Adults

OBJECTIVE

To verify the association between exercise and free time sport types and binge drinking in a large sample of adults.

METHODS

Data of 718,147 adults from the "Surveillance of Risk and Protection Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey" were used. We described the demographic and behavioral variables, and negative binomial regression analyzed the association between exercise and free time sport types and binge drinking adjusted by demographics variables, body mass index status, and television time.

RESULTS

Outdoor walking/running was the most common exercise reported (20.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 19.8%-20.2%), followed by team sports (8.1%; 95% CI, 8.0%-8.2%) and strengthening (8.0%; 95% CI, 7.9%-8.1%). The prevalence of binge drinking for each exercise and free time sport type ranged from 6.9% (water aerobics) to 31.9% (team sports). Participants engaging in strengthening (prevalence ratio = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04-1.21, P = .002) and team sports (prevalence ratio = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.07-1.17, P < .001) were more likely to binge drink more frequently in the past 30 days than inactive participants.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that the participants' profile plays an important role in the underlying social context of this association. Participants with more frequent strengthening and less frequent team sports practice, who were primarily younger and single, were more likely to binge drink frequently.

Factors associated with Alzheimer's disease prevalence and mortality in Brazil-An ecological study

A few epidemiological studies are evaluating the prevalence and mortality rates of Alzheimer's disease, with no one using a nationwide sample of Brazilian elderlies. This study aims to calculate the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and investigate possible associations with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors and the presence of diseases non-communicable, and the prevalence and mortality for all Brazilian state capitals. This is an ecological design study made with secondary public data provided by the Ministry of Health. Prevalence rates were calculated based on the analysis of the dispensing of Alzheimer's disease-specific drugs. Correlation analyzes were performed between rates and factors, and a multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze possible associations between variables, controlled for each other. AD prevalence was 313/100,000. Prevalence rates were positively associated with primary health care coverage factors and negatively associated with ultra-processed food consumption and physical activity levels. AD mortality was 98/100,000. Mortality rates were positively associated with the proportion of obese elderly and elderly living on up to half the minimum wage and were inversely associated with the proportion of elderly with diabetes factors. We found positive and negative associations of sociodemographic, behavioral and diabetes indicators with Alzheimer's disease prevalence and mortality, which provide data that can be investigated by studies with different designs.

The Relationship between Physical Activity, Sleep Quality, and Stress: A Study of Teachers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted chaotic changes in the daily lives of K-12 teachers, resulting in increased stress and other mental health problems. Limited evidence regarding the relationship between physical activity, sleep, and perceived stress among teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic exists. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity, sleep quality, and perceived psychological stress among teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey measuring physical activity, sleep quality, and perceived psychological stress was distributed across 47 US states between September and October of 2020. Data provided by 635 teachers (mean age: 42 ± 18 years, 74.6% female) were included in the present analysis. Results suggested a negative association between physical activity and perceived psychological stress. Mediation analyses indicated that teachers engaging in high levels of physical activity were more likely to have good quality sleep and, in turn, were less likely to report high levels of perceived stress. Physical activity and sleep-related interventions could help curtail the rising levels of psychological distress amongst K-12 teachers during stressful times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers, especially those that self-report as female and/or young, report high levels of stress. These high levels of stress are a serious challenge for school districts in terms of attracting and retaining qualified teachers in K-12 classrooms.

Association of sex, sexual maturation, age group, economic class, and nutritional status with the different cutoff points of screen time in adolescents

Abstract Objectives: to estimate the prevalence of adolescents’ screen time in three different scenarios and possible associations with gender, sexual maturation, age group, economic class, and nutritional status. Methods: a cross-sectional study conducted with a representative sample of 3,979 adolescents from Greater Curitiba. Screen time (television, computer, and video game) was self-reported and categorized as ≤2h/day, >2 to ≤4h/day, and >4h/day. Ordinal logistic regression tested the associations. Results: the sample consisted of adolescents of 14.60±1.88 years old, most girls (51.2%). The prevalence of screen time >4h/day was 89.3%. Girls (OR=0.61; CI95%=0.49-0.76) and the older age groups (“14 to 16 years” OR=0.29; CI95%=0.22-0.39, and “17 to 19 years” OR=0.11; CI95%=0.08-0.16) were less likely to be in the groups of higher screen time. Conclusions: screen time above four hours seems to be the most prevalent among adolescents. Older girls and teens are less likely to have higher screen time.

Age and Sex-Related Associations between Marital Status, Physical Activity and TV Time

Marital status mediates an association between physical activity (PA) and TV time with health outcomes. However, population-based studies have revealed that the health effect of marriage or divorce is age-dependent and differs between women and men. The study aimed to identify the age and sex-related associations between marital status with PA and TV time. We used data from Vigitel, an annual telephone survey started in 2006 in Brazil. We applied a complex sample logistic regression model to estimate the odds for PA and TV time comparing marital statuses according to age and sex subgroups, independent of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, self-assessed poor health, and smoking. Our sample included 561,837 individuals from 18 to 99 years, with a TV time > 3 h/day (prevalence = 25.2%) and PA > 150 min/week (prevalence = 35%). Later, we divided our sample in seven age groups by marital status and sex. Compared to single individuals, married men and women were less likely to watch TV more than 3 h/day in participants >30 years old. When compared to single, married participants were less likely to do more than 150 min of PA/week at younger age groups. Married women older than 40 years were more likely to do more than 150 min of PA/week than the single ones, while there were no differences among married men by age group. In conclusion, our study suggests that the investments in public policies to encourage the practice of PA and reduction of TV time could be based on the marital status, sex, and age, prioritizing less active groups.

Time trends of physical inactivity in Brazilian adults from 2009 to 2017

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to evaluate the changes in the prevalence of physical inactivity in the Brazilian adults from 2009-2017.

METHODS

This study used a time-series research design based on the cross-sectional data of 462,498 Brazilian adults from 2009-2017. Participants were classified as physically inactive if they indicated not participating in physical activity in the last three months. The Prais-Winsten regression analyzed physical inactivity trends over time.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of physical inactivity was stable (p>0.05). Physical inactivity increased for women in four state capitals (annual growth rate: Goiânia 1.62%, Campo Grande 3.28%, Porto Velho 0.93%, and Vitória 2.09%) and decreased in one (annual growth rate: Rio Branco 4.50%). Physical inactivity decreased for men in four state capitals (annual growth rate: Campo Grande 4.72%, Natal 2.73%, São Luís 4.94%, and Rio Branco 2.95%).

CONCLUSION

The physical inactivity among the Brazilian adults was stable between 2009 and 2017. Physical inactivity increased in women from Goiânia, Campo Grande, Porto Velho, and Vitória and decreased in women from Rio Branco and in men from Campo Grande, Natal, São Luís, and Rio Branco.

Calibration of the Online Youth Activity Profile Assessment for School-Based Applications

A balance between the feasibility and validity of measures is an important consideration for physical activity research - particularly in school-based research with youth. The present study extends previously tested calibration methods to develop and test new equations for an online version of the Youth Activity Profile (YAP) tool, a self-report tool designed for school applications. Data were collected across different regions and seasons to develop more robust, generalizable equations. The study involved a total of 717 youth from 33 schools (374 elementary (ages 9-11), 224 middle (ages 11-14), and 119 high school (ages 14-18)) in two different states in the U.S. Participants wore a Sensewear monitor for a full week and then completed the online YAP at school to report physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors (SB) in school and at home. Accelerometer data were processed using an R-based segmentation program to compute PA and SB levels. Quantile regression models were used with half of the sample to develop item-specific YAP calibration equations and these were cross validated with the remaining half of the sample. Computed values of Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE) ranged from 15-25% with slightly lower error observed for the middle school sample. The new equations had improved precision compared to the previous versions when tested on the same sample. The online version of the YAP provides an efficient and effective way to capture school level estimates of PA and SB in youth.

[Changes in tobacco and alcoholic beverage consumption among adolescents from Curitiba in the State of Paraná: a longitudinal study]

The scope of this study was to verify alterations in cigarette and alcohol consumption in a sample of adolescents from the state education system of the city of Curitiba in the State of Paraná between 2015 and 2017. It involved a longitudinal prospective cohort study conducted with 799 adolescents (11 to 15 years of age) between 2015 and 2017. The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBS) questionnaire evaluated mild and excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption. Modifications of alcohol and tobacco consumption were evaluated through Generalizable Estimating Equation (GEE) models with Poisson distribution to obtain Incidence Risk Ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The "time" variable was treated as an independent variable along with other possible predictors (gender, age bracket, nutritional status, socioeconomic level, head of household education, physical activity and screen time). Tobacco consumption (IRR= 1,32, 95%CI = 1,02; 1,71), mild (IRR= 1,32, 95%CI = 1,13; 1,53) and excessive (IRR= 1,21, 95%CI = 1,04; 1,40) alcohol consumption increased between 2015 and 2017. This study indicates that adolescents participating in this research are modifying their behaviors towards a less healthy lifestyle.

The Relationship between Psychological Stress and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors during COVID-19 among Students in a US Midwest University

The gripping coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has imposed dramatic changes to many areas of daily living in all sectors of society across the world. We examined the relationship between perceived stress and health behaviors among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey with measures of psychological stress, physical activity and exercise, and sleep and social connectedness was distributed in June and July of 2020. The survey was completed by 550 college students (mean age: 21.3 ± 3.8 years, 74.2% female, 94.4% Caucasian). Being female and unemployed and having a lower annual income were significantly associated with higher levels of stress. In addition, regression analysis found that reduced exercise and sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly predicted the levels of stress of participants after controlling for gender, employment status, and annual income. University officials should aim to implement health-promotion strategies directed at preventing reductions in exercise and sleep duration, especially in those at greater risk of increased perceived stress such as females and economically disadvantaged students.

[Body image among adolescents: the association between nutritional status and physical activity]

The aim of this article is to verify the association between nutritional status and physical activity with the perception of body image satisfaction in a sample of adolescents from Curitiba, State of Paraná. The sample consisted of 844 adolescents of 11 to 17 years of age. The level of physical activity was evaluated by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. Body image perception was assessed by the Silhouette Shape Scale and the Body Shape Questionnaire. The association between nutritional status and level of physical activity with satisfaction with body image was performed through multinomial logistic regression to obtain the odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and p < 0.05. Overweight/obesity was positively associated with moderate and severe body image dissatisfaction (BID) among girls (OR: 6.20; 95%CI: 2.62 - 14.66 and OR: 6.20; 95%CI: 4.10 - 9.36) and boys (OR: 1.95; 95%CI: 1.06 - 3.59 e OR: 3.91; 95%CI: 2.57 - 5.95) and with the desire to decrease the silhouette for boys and girls (OR: 4.86; 95%CI: 3.37 - 7.00 and OR: 6.46; 95%CI: 4.12 - 10.14). The level of physical activity was not associated with BID. Adolescents who are overweight and obese are more likely to admit to BID. Physical activity was not related to BID.

Aplicativos para estimular a prática de atividade física em crianças e adolescentes brasileiros

Este estudo objetivou avaliar a qualidade de aplicativos para estimular a prática de atividade física de crianças e adolescentes brasileiros. Foi conduzida uma busca sistemática de aplicativos em português nas plataformas iTunese PlayStore, utilizando os seguintes termos: nível de atividades física, atividade física, aptidão física, exercício, exercício físico, atividade motora, esporte, caminhada, comportamento sedentário e inativo. A qualidade dos aplicativos foi avaliada através da Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). A presença ou ausência de técnicas de mudança de comportamentos foi avaliada usando a taxonomia de técnicas de mudanças de comportamentos. A relação entre a qualidade dos aplicativos a as técnicas de mudanças de comportamento foram verificadas pelo coeficiente de correlação de Kendall’s Tau. Quatro aplicativos atenderam a todos os critérios e foram incluídos na análise, apresentando qualidade aceitável. Sobre as técnicas de mudança de comportamentos, apenas o feedback dos usuários é comum a todos os aplicativos. Aplicativos não são baseados em recomendações para promoção da atividade física.

Prevalence and factors associated with active transportation to school for adolescents

OBJECTIVE:

To verify the prevalence and factors associated with active transportation to school (ATS) among Brazilian adolescents attending public schools.

METHODS:

Crossectional study with a representative sample of 1,984 adolescents (55.9% girls). Sociodemographic variables included were: gender, age, parental schooling, and socioeconomic status. Psychosocial factors included were: social support from parents and friends for physical activity. Walking, cycling, or skateboarding to school were considered models of active transportation. Binary logistic regression models verified sociodemographic and psychosocial factors association with ATS, adopting p < 0.05.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of active transportation to school was 37.7% (16.2% boys and 21.5% girls). For boys, ATS was associated with: social support from parents in practicing physical activity together as a family (OR = 1.57; 95%CI 1.09–2.25), giving them rides (OR = 1.56; 95%CI 1.04–2.32), and remarking their good performance on it (OR = 1.73; CI95 1.08–2.76); as well as the social support from friends in practicing physical activity together (OR = 2.23; 95%CI 1.35–3.69). For girls, the likelihood of using ATS increased with age (OR = 1.43; 95%CI 1.06–1.92) and having friends who practice physical activity together with them (OR = 1.48, 95%CI 1.04–2.10).

CONCLUSION:

Age and social support for physical activity were associated with ATS. Parents who practice together, give rides, and remark on physical activities increase the likelihood of adolescent boys using ATS. Social support from friends to physical activity increased the likelihood of both genders using ATS.

SPORTS PARTICIPATION ASSOCIATED WITH HEALTH RISK BEHAVIORS IN ADOLESCENT ATHLETES

ABSTRACT Introduction Participation in structured sports activities is essential for the health of adolescents, since adolescence is a period in which several physical, psychological, cognitive and social changes occur, where the sense of autonomy in decision-making may prompt them to adhere to certain health risk behaviors. Objective To verify the association of sports participation with health risk behaviors in adolescent athletes. Methods A cross-sectional study with 367 athletes (15.68 ± 0.78 years) from Curitiba/PR (state of Paraná). Associated factors and health risk behaviors (HRB) were assessed using questionnaires. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to analyze factors associated with HRB, adopting p <0.05. Results Team sport was positively associated with longer TV viewing time (PR: 3.11; 95% CI: 1.13-8.58). Years of participation were positively associated with longer TV viewing (PR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.01-1.29) and video game playing time (PR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.01-1.25). Negative associations were found for weekly training volume in longer video game playing time (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86-0.99), low vegetable consumption (PR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96-0.99), and in light (PR: 0.95, 95%CI: 0.92-0.99) and excessive (PR: 0.94, 95%CI: 0.89-0.99) alcoholic consumption. Conclusion The weekly training volume favors a reduction in video game playing time, lower alcohol consumption, and increased vegetable consumption in adolescent athletes. Level of Evidence III; Diagnostic studies - Investigation of a diagnostic test; Study of non-consecutive patients, without a “gold standard” applied uniformly.

CORRELATES OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN ADOLESCENTS OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN CURITIBA, PARANÁ, BRAZIL

Objective:

To verify the association of nutritional status, biological maturation, social support and self-efficacy with the physical activity level of 2,347 students of both sexes, aged between 11 and 15 years old, enrolled in state schools in the city of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.

Methods:

Anthropometric measurements of body mass, height and sitting height were collected. The assessment of biological maturation was based on the analysis of the age at peak height and sexual maturity. The physical activity level, social support from parents and friends and self-efficacy were evaluated by self-reported questionnaires. Sex/age-specific body mass index (BMI) cutoff points identified the nutritional status. Gross and adjusted binary logistic regression were used to obtain odds (OR) ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI), adopting p≤0.05 as significant.

Results:

More than half (52.3%; n=1,227) of students were active, with boys in a higher proportion (64.1%; p≤0.01). The correlates of physical activity were: nutritional status (OR 1.25; 95%CI 1.01-1.56), early somatic maturation (OR 0.71; 95%CI 0.54-0.93), moderate (OR 1.85; 95%CI 1.50-2.30) and high social support from parents (OR 2.70; 95%CI 2.11-3.42) and high social support from friends (OR 1.78; 95%CI 1.42-2.24).

Conclusions:

Nutritional status, early somatic maturation, social support of parents and friends were correlates of physical activity. Overweight girls with moderate and high parental support and boys with greater social support from parents and friends were more active. Girls with early somatic maturation were less active.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PRACTICE AND CLUSTERING OF HEALTH RISK BEHAVIORS IN ADOLESCENTS

Objective:

To verify the association between participation in physical activity (PA) and the clustering of health risk behaviors (HRB) in adolescents of both genders.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study involving 862 adolescents (11 to 17 years old) enrolled in 14 randomly selected public schools from Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. Participation in PA, screen time, consumption of fruit, vegetables, cigarettes and alcoholic beverages were the criteria evaluated. Multinomial logistic regression tested the association between participation in PA and clustering of HRB, and results are expressed Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

Results:

Adolescents with high participation in PA had lower odds of clustering 2-3 HRB (OR 0.38, 95%CI 0.21-0.68; p<0.01) and 4-5 HRB (OR 0.29; 95%IC 0.16-0.53; p<0.01). Boys with high participation in PA had lower chances of clustering 2-3 HRB (OR 0.31, 95%CI 0.13-0.75; p=0.01), and girls had lower odds of clustering 2-3 HRB (OR 0.41; 95%CI 0.17-0.99; p=0.04) and 4-5 HRB (OR 0.25; 95%CI 0.10-0.61; p<0.01).

Conclusions:

High participation in PA was inversely associated with the clustering of HRB in adolescents.

Time trends of physical activity in Curitiba, Brazil: 2006-2015

OBJECTIVE

The identification of the time trend of physical activity can help in the evaluation of the effectiveness of programs aimed at the promotion of physical activity at the population scope. To analyze the temporal trend of leisure time physical activity in adults living in the city of Curitiba (Brazil), from 2006-2015.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study with 19,183 adults, obtaining information on duration, intensity and weekly frequency of leisure-time physical activity from the Surveillance System of Risk and Protection Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Inquiry. Adults who reported participating in leisure time physical activity at least once a week in the three months prior to the survey were considered active.

RESULTS

Men's leisure-time physical activity was stable overtime (p = 0.28), while it increased significantly among women (1.86% per year, 95%CI 0.55; 3.37; p = 0.02). Men reported less activities with weekly frequency of one to two times (-3.75% per year, 95%CI -6.72; -0.67; p = 0.03) but more with weekly frequencies of five to six times (7.42% per year, 95%CI 4.54; 10.38; p = 0.001). No changes were observed in the frequency of physical activity among women.

CONCLUSION

Monitoring indicators of physical activity in the city of Curitiba can assist legislators in building policies to promote physical activity.

Metabolic risk factors clustering among adolescents: a comparison between sex, age and socioeconomic status

The aim was to compare the metabolic risk factors (MRF) between sex, age and socioeconomic status in a sample of adolescents from Curitiba, Brazil. A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted on 997 adolescents (429 boys) aged 12-17 years old from public schools. Total Cholesterol (TC), LDL-c, HDL-c, Triglycerides, Glycemia, Blood Pressure, waist circumference and body mass index were measured. Sex, age and socioeconomic status information was obtained using a questionnaire. Descriptive analyses, Fisher Exact and Chi-Square Tests were used to establish the sample's characteristics and the MRF comparison between variables. We found that 27.4% were classified as overweight/obese, almost half of them had TC and LDL-c classified as limitrophe/altered, with a difference between the sexes (p < 0.01), and that a higher percentage of altered values was seen among girls. The percentage of 3 and 4 or more MRF was 13.8% and 6.3%, respectively. In addition, 86.5% of the participants had at least one and 39.7% had at least two MRF. We conclude that there was a high percentage of overweight/obese, as well as a great number of subjects with altered TC and HDL-c. We also pointed out the large percentage of aggregated metabolic risk factors in both sexes. Strategies to reduce metabolic risk factors are required.

Social support, self-efficacy and level of physical activity of students aged 13-15 years

Abstract The aim of this study was to verify the relationship, the population attributable fraction (PAF) and the relative risk reduction (RRR) of social support and self-efficacy with level of physical activity in students. Probabilistic cross-sectional study with 1,472 students aged 13-15 years. Gender, age, social support from parents and friends, self-efficacy and levels of physical activity were evaluated through questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using Poisson regression with robust variance, PAF and RRR, adopting p≤0.05. A total of 56.1% (n = 826) of students were considered active, boys (68.7%) presenting the largest proportion. Social support from parents was positively associated with physical activity in boys (PR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.12-1.48, PAF = 21.88) and girls (PR: 2.00; 95%CI: 1.59-2.51, PAF = 50.00). Social support from friends was positively associated with physical activity in boys (PR: 1.34, 95%CI: 1.16-1.54, PAF = 25.37) and girls (PR: 1.32, 95%CI: 1.06-1.64, PAF = 24.24). Self-efficacy was not associated with physical activity. Social support was associated with levels of physical activity, and PAF indicated that the absence of high social support from parents and friends might reduce the level of physical activity in adolescents.

[Reproducibility of a questionnaire on physical activity among school students from 9 to 15 years of age]

The objective of this study was to analyze the "test-retest" reproducibility of a questionnaire on physical activity among 1189 school students of both genders, from 9 to 15 years age in public schools in Curitiba/PR. The reproducibility of the questionnaire was determined by the repeated measures procedure called "test-retest", with an interval of one week between applications. For data analysis the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), the percentage of correlation, the Kappa index, adjusted Kappa (Kappa PABAK) and Bland-Altman scatter diagram were used. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 21.0 adopting a 5% significance level. All ICC were higher than 0.80. The correlation between the application replicas of the questionnaire was moderate, Kappa ranging from 0.51 to 0.61. There was a correlation between the questionnaire applications, the average difference between the first and second being equal to 106.49 min/wk (IC95%: 79.05-133.92) with limits of correlation ranging from 1070.97 (+2SD) to -857.99 (-2SD) min/week. In conclusion, the survey analyzed in this study showed satisfactory levels of reproducibility, having the possibility of being used to measure physical activity in both children and adolescents.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN WEIGHT-TEASING AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN ADOLESCENTS

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine the association between weight-teasing and physical activity in students from public schools of Curitiba, Paraná (Southern Brazil).

METHODS

The sample consisted of 95 students (48 boys and 47 girls) aged 12 to 14 years old. The Perception of Weight Teasing (POTS) and The Perception of Weight Teasing during Physical Activity Scale assessed the frequency of weight-teasing experienced by the participants. Accelerometers measured physical activity. BMI assessed the weight status of the participants. Pearson correlations analyzed the association between the teasing and physical activity variables at a significance level of 0.05.

RESULTS

The relationship between teasing variables and physical activity was not significant. A large proportion of participants failed to meet the recommended levels of physical activity regardless of sex (72%), and girls were significantly less physically active than boys (56.3% of boys and 89.4% of girls; p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Some participants were targets of weight-teasing, but teasing was not related to physical activity. Interventions are necessary to educate middle school students about the harmful consequences of weight teasing.

High Blood Pressure in Adolescents of Curitiba: Prevalence and Associated Factors

BACKGROUND

Arterial hypertension is a major public health problem and has increased considerably in young individuals in past years. Thus, identifying factors associated with this condition is important to guide intervention strategies in this population.

OBJECTIVE

To determine high blood pressure prevalence and its associated factors in adolescents.

METHODS

A random sample of 1,242 students enrolled in public schools of the city of Curitiba (PR) was selected. Self-administered questionnaires provided family history of hypertension, daily energy expenditure, smoking habit, daily fat intake, and socioeconomic status. Waist circumference was measured following standardized procedures, and blood pressure was measured with appropriate cuffs in 2 consecutive days to confirm high blood pressure. Relative frequency and confidence interval (95%CI) indicated high blood pressure prevalence. Bivariate and multivariate analyses assessed the association of risk factors with high blood pressure.

RESULTS

The high blood pressure prevalence was 18.2% (95%CI 15.2-21.6). Individuals whose both parents had hypertension [odds ratio (OR), 2.22; 95%CI 1.28-3.85] and those with high waist circumference (OR, 2.1; 95%CI 1.34-3.28) had higher chances to develop high blood pressure.

CONCLUSION

Positive family history of hypertension and high waist circumference were associated with high blood pressure in adolescents. These factors are important to guide future interventions in this population.

[OVERWEIGHT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PRACTICE ASSOCIATED WITH EATING BEHAVIOR OF BRAZILIAN COLLEGE STUDENTS]

INTRODUCTION

inadequate food intake can compromise the cardiovascular health, which increases the chances of developing a number of diseases. The relation of inadequate intake of food and certain cardiovascular risk factors in young adult populations are not clear.

OBJECTIVE

the objective of this study was to investigate the association between eating habits of college students, excess body weight, high blood pressure and regular physical activity.

METHODS

cross sectional study was conducted with students from a Brazilian federal university. Were evaluated 1 599 students between 18 and 25 years old. An interview was conducted and included sociodemographic variables and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Was evaluated body composition (weight, height, calculate the BMI, and waist circumference (WC)). Eating habits and cardiovascular risk behaviors were evaluated by YRBSS -C (Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance).

RESULTS

using the chi-square test was identified association between binge drink, consumption of fruits and consumption of salads / vegetables with regular physical activity. There was also an association between consumption of sweet and savory foods, with BMI and waist circumference high. The Logistic regression showed association between sweets intake (odds = 1.34) and savory foods (odds = 1.39) with high BMI. The analysis also showed an association between candy consumption (odds = 1.33), and savory consumption (odds = 1.74) with waist circumference. There was a relationship between MVPA and the binge drink (odds = 1.23), fruits consumption (1.46), and consumption of salads / vegetables (odds = 1.49). Thus, there was an association between the eating habits of college students with excess body weight as well as with regular physical activity.

Step-count guidelines referenced on 60-minutes of moderate/vigorous physical activity

The purpose of this study was to establish step-count guidelines for sixth-grade students and assess the ability of step-counts to discriminate between students achieving and not achieving 60-minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. 201 sixth-grade students completed the study. They wore a pedometer and an accelerometer at the waist level for one full day. ROC curves were used to establish step-count guidelines and determine the diagnostic accuracy of step-counts. Sixth grade students need 12,118 steps/day to reach adequate daily levels of physical activity. The AUC indicated good diagnostic accuracy of step-counts. Suggested step-count guidelines can be a useful tool for identifying children who need to increase their daily levels of physical activity. The step-count cutoff proposed in this study is adequate for discriminating between sixth grade students reaching and not reaching recommended levels of physical activity.

Association between sedentary behavior and anthropometric and metabolic profiles among adolescents

The purpose of this study was to establish the association between sedentary behavior and the anthropometric and metabolic profiles within a sample group of 572 adolescents from public schools in the city of Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil. Approximately 8 ml of blood was drawn to measure total cholesterol (TC), LDL-c, HDL-c, triglycerides, and glucose. Stature and body mass were measured to calculate the body mass index. Information about the subjects' socioeconomic status, physical activity level, sedentary behavior, eating frequency, as well as personal information was obtained through questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency and percentage score, and Binary Logistic Regression were used to obtain the odds ratio with a CI of 95% and p<0.05. Half of the girls had TC levels classified as borderline or altered, and total screen time presented a significant association between the metabolic variables analyzed in the study. We conclude that girls had TC levels less favorable than that of the boys and that screen time is associated with some metabolic variables.

<b>Overweight as hypertension risk prediction in bus drivers</b> - doi: 10.4025/actascihealthsci.v35i2.9084

Blood pressure (BP) has been currently associated with several risk markers in cardiovascular diseases and excess body weight although there is only slight evidence on the association of Body Mass Index (BMI) with BP in bus drivers. Current analysis verified the association of BMI with BP in bus drivers and the risk of individuals with excess weight within the context of high blood pressure. The sample consisted of 75 bus drivers who had their BMI and BP evaluated. Statistical analysis was descriptive and Pearson correlation and odds-ratio were p < 0.05. A significant relationship between BMI and blood pressure, namely, r = 0.438 (p < 0.05) was evident. Individuals with weight excess weight were 4.04 times more likely to have high blood pressure (p < 0.05). Results showed individuals with excess weight were more likely to develop high blood pressure conditions.