Leisure-Time Physical Activity in a Southern Brazilian City (2004-2021): Applying an Equity Lens to Time-Trend Analyses.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to verify leisure-time physical activity trends over 15 years and monitor inequalities according to gender, self-reported skin color, and socioeconomic position in a Southern Brazilian city. A secondary aim is to evaluate intersectionalities in physical activity. METHODS: Trend analysis using 3 population-based surveys carried out in 2004, 2010, and 2021. Main outcome assessed was the prevalence of physical activity according to recommendations (150 min/wk). Inequalities dimensions measured were sex, self-reported skin color, and wealth. Intersectionalities were evaluated using Jeopardy index combining all inequality dimensions. Trend analysis was performed using least-squares weighted regression. RESULTS: We included data from 3090, 2656, and 5696 adults in 2004, 2010, and 2021, respectively. Prevalence of physical activity remains stable around 25% in the 3 years. In the 3 periods evaluated, men presented a prevalence in average 10 percentage points higher than women (SII2004 = -11.1 [95% confidence interval, CI, -14.4 to -7.8], SII2021 = -10.7 [95% CI, -13.7 to -7.7]). Skin color inequalities did not present a clear pattern. Richest individuals, in general presented a prevalence of leisure-time physical activity level 20pp higher than poorest ones (SII2004 = 20.5 [95% CI, 13.7 to 27.4]; SII2021 = 16.7 [95% CI, 11.3 to 22.0]). Inequalities were widely marked, comparing the most privileged group (represented by men, the wealthiest, and White) and the most socially vulnerable group (represented by women, the poorest, and Black/Brown). The Slope Index of Inequality for intersectionalities was -24.5 (95% CI, -31.1 to -17.9) in 2004 and -18.8 in 2021 (95% CI, -24.2 to -13.4). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis shows that women, Black/Brown, and poor present lower leisure-time physical activity level. This group is often neglected regarding other health and social outcomes.

[Food intake according to the type of food consumed in schools in a rural area in southern Brazil]. / Consumo alimentar conforme o tipo de alimentação consumida em escolas de zona rural no Sul do Brasil.

The scope of the article was to evaluate food consumption according to the type of food consumed in rural schools. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among adolescents enrolled in 12 rural public schools in Canguçu in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The research was linked to the intervention named "Physical Education +: Practicing Health in School." Dietary intake was evaluated using consumption markers from the Brazilian Food and Nutrition Surveillance System. The main independent variable was the type of food consumed at school (brought from home, provided by the school free of charge and/or purchased at school). Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were used and the significance level was p<0.05. The study enlisted 526 students, 51.3% female and 88.0% consuming food free of charge. From 15% to 31% of adolescents consumed foods considered unhealthy for more than three days in the preceding week. Students who reported taking a snack to school consumed raw salad, fresh fruit or fruit salad, biscuits/crackers and packet snacks and soft drinks more frequently. It was concluded that the consumption of healthy foods among schoolchildren in rural areas was low and interventions are needed to improve the current situation of inadequate feeding practices.

Objetivou-se avaliar o consumo alimentar de escolares conforme o tipo de alimentação consumida em escolas de zona rural. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com adolescentes de 12 escolas públicas rurais de Canguçu/RS. A investigação está vinculada à intervenção "Educação Física +: Praticando Saúde na Escola". O consumo alimentar foi avaliado pelos marcadores do Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional. A variável independente principal foi o tipo de alimentação consumida (trazida de casa, fornecida gratuitamente e/ou comprada na escola). Foi utilizada a estatística descritiva e o teste de Qui-quadrado com nível de significância de p < 0,05. Participaram do estudo 526 escolares, 51,3% do sexo feminino e 88,0% que consumiram a alimentação gratuita. Entre 15-31% dos adolescentes consumiram mais de três dias na semana anterior alimentos considerados não saudáveis. Os escolares que relataram levar lanche de casa para a escola consumiram com maior frequência salada crua, frutas frescas ou salada de frutas, bolachas/biscoitos salgados e salgadinhos de pacote e refrigerante. Concluiu-se que o consumo de alimentos saudáveis entre os escolares da zona rural foi baixo e intervenções são necessárias a fim de melhorar o quadro atual de práticas inadequadas de alimentação.

Physical activity and health: a historical and conceptual approach / A relação entre atividade física e saúde: uma abordagem histórica e conceitual

This theoretical essay reflects on physical activity (PA) and health and the development of this study area, particularly in Brazil. A historical review is presented based on major research themes in the area since the 1950s and the evolution of PA recommendations for health. Crucial conceptual and operational definitions in the area that have gone through recent updates are addressed. The pa-per highlights relevant institutions and documents, as well as reflects on future perspectives and challenges in the field. Finally, this essay highlights the need to reduce the gap between the robust scientific knowledge already produced about the health benefits of PA and the real action in the field, especially in the primary health care setting

A partir de uma abordagem histórica, conceitual, crítica e didática, este ensaio teórico propõe uma reflexão sobre a relação entre atividade física (AF) e saúde e o desenvolvimento desta área de estudo, com um olhar especial sobre o Brasil. Apresenta-se revisão histórica a partir de grandes temas de pesquisa na área desde os anos 1950 e da evolução das recomendações de AF para a saúde. São abordadas definições conceituais e operacionais que passaram por atualizações recentes e que são cruciais na área. Faz-se destaque a instituições e documentos relevantes, além de reflexões sobre perspectivas e desafios futuros para a área. Por fim, destaca a necessidade da redução na distância entre a solidez do conhecimento já produzido sobre os benefícios da AF para a saúde e os desejados avanços no contexto da promoção da saúde, em especial na atenção primária à saúde

Tracking of physical activity from adolescence to adulthood: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between regular physical activity in adolescence and leisure-time physical activity in adulthood, with emphasis on gender differences. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Pelotas, Southern Brazil, in 2003. A representative sample of households was selected in multiple stages and subjects aged 20-59 years were interviewed. Leisure-time physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data on adolescent physical activity were based on subjects' recall. RESULTS: Of 2,577 subjects interviewed, 27.5% were classified as adequately active, and 54.9% reported regular physical activity in adolescence. Subjects who engaged in regular physical activity during adolescence were more likely to be adequately active in adulthood (adjusted prevalence ratio 1.42; 95% CI: 1.23; 1.65). This effect was stronger in women (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.22; 1.86) than men (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.10; 1.67). CONCLUSIONS: Promoting physical activity in school age may be a successful intervention against the epidemic of adult inactivity. Although women were less likely to report regular physical activity in adolescence, the effect of this experience on adult behavior was stronger than in men.

[Evolution of the epidemiological research on physical activity in Brazil: a systematic review]. / Evolução da pesquisa epidemiológica em atividade física no Brasil: revisão sistemática.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the evolution of the epidemiological research on physical activity in Brazil. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was carried out in electronic databases (Medline/PubMed, Lilacs, Ovid, Science Direct, BioMed Central and High Wire), non-indexed Brazilian journals, query by specific authors, and contact with other researchers. The inclusion criteria were: the sample should be representative of a defined population; sample size equal to or greater than 500 individuals; data collection in Brazil; measurement of physical activity; and report of data on this variable. RESULTS: A total of 42 studies were reviewed. The first study was published in 1990, and there has been a clear growth in the number of publications since 2000. Great regional disparities were seen and most studies were carried out in the Southeast and South regions. Almost all studies (93%) used questionnaires but operational definitions of sedentary lifestyle and questionnaires used varied markedly across studies preventing result comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Although the literature on physical activity in Brazil has quantitatively increased, methodological limitations make it difficult to compare study results. Therefore, standardization of instruments and definitions is essential for the improvement of scientific knowledge in the area.

Modelo Lógico do Programa Tribunal Superior do Trabalho em Movimento: uma construção de 15 anos de experiência / Logic Model of the Tribunal Superior do Trabalho em Movimento Program: a construction of 15 years of experience

Na perspectiva de promover saúde no local de trabalho, com ênfase na atividade física (AF), em 2004 o Tribunal Superior do Trabalho (TST), em Brasília, Distrito Federal, criou o Programa TST em Movimento. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o modelo lógico (ML) do Programa, a partir de sua construção histórica. O ML foi desenvolvido seguindo as diretrizes do Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, descrevendo objetivo, recursos, atividades, produtos, metas, fatores influenciadores e público-alvo. Sua construção incluiu a análise de documentos do Programa, como o relatório de resultados de 2019. O Programa é composto por profissionais de educação física, fisioterapia e estagiários, oferecendo atividades como educação em saúde, práticas de AF, eventos e monitoramento de indicadores em saúde. O ML apresentado é fruto de 15 anos de experiência e passa a compor os processos avaliativos e o acompanhamento das metas, iluminando a sustentabilidade do Programa em bases sólidas

From the perspective of promoting health in the workplace, with an emphasis on physical activity (PA), in 2004 the Tribunal Superior do Trabalho (TST), in Brasília, Distrito Federal, created the TST em Mo­vimento Program. The aim of this study was to describe the logical model (LM) of the Program, based on its historical construction. The LM was developed following the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, describing objective, resources, activities, products, goals, influencing factors, and target audience. Its construction included the analysis of Program documents, such as the 2019 results report. The Program is composed of physical education professionals, physiotherapy, and trainees, offering activities such as health education, PA practices, events, and monitoring of health indicators. The LM presented is the result of 15 years of experience and becomes part of the evaluation processes and monitoring of goals, illuminating the Program's sustainability on solid foundations

[Prevalence of sedentary behavior and its correlates among primary and secondary school students]. / Prevalência de comportamento sedentário de escolares e fatores associados.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the students' exposure to four different sedentary behavior (SB) indi-cators and their associations with gender, grade, age, economic status and physical activity level. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2013. The SB was collected using the HELENA instrument, composed by screen time questions (TV, video games and internet) and sitting activ-ities on school opposite shift. The cut point of ≥2h/day was used to categorize the outcome. The Poisson regression was used for associations between the outcome and the independent variables (95% significance level), controlling for confounding variables and the possible design effect. RESULTS: The sample was composed by 8661 students. The overall prevalence of SB was 69.2% (CI95% 68.1-70.2) on weekdays, and 79.6% (CI95% 78.7-80.5) on weekends. Females were more associated with the outcome, except to electronic games. Advanced grades students were more involved in sitting tasks when compared to the early grades. Older students were more likely to surf on net for ≥2h/day. Higher economic level students were more likely to engage in video games and internet. Active individuals were less likely to engage in SB on weekdays. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of SB was high, mainly on weekends. The associations with sex, age, grade and physical activity level should be considered into elaboration of more efficient interventions on SB control.

[Factors associated with the consumption of high-fat foods among adults in a Southern Brazilian city]. / Fatores associados ao consumo de dietas ricas em gordura em adultos de uma cidade no sul do Brasil.

The scope of this study was to describe the frequency of consumption of high-fat foods among adults aged 20 to 69 years and to identify associated factors. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 972 adults in Pelotas, Southern Brazil. The consumption of high-fat foods in the previous twelve months was evaluated using the Block questionnaire comprising fifteen food items scored according to the frequency of consumption of high-fat foods. Approximately one in every three adults (32.7%) reported the regular consumption of high-fat diets. Among individuals of both sexes, the regular consumption of fat was associated with younger ages and the regular intake of non-diet soft drinks, and only for men, to the A/B economic levels. The conclusion reached is that the consumption of high-fat food among adults is above current Ministry of Health recommendations. Interventions aimed at stimulating healthy diets are urgently needed.

Trends in leisure-time physical activity in a southern Brazilian city: 2003-2010.

BACKGROUND: Most of physical activity surveillance data are derived from high-income countries. The aim of the current study was to report time trends in leisure-time physical activity. METHODS: Population-based surveys were conducted in the city of Pelotas, Brazil in 2003 and 2010, including individuals aged 20+ years. Physical activity was assessed using the leisure-time section of the long version of the IPAQ. A cut-off point of 150 min/wk was used in the analyses. Methodologies were virtually identical in both surveys. RESULTS: In 2003, 26.8% (95% CI 24.3; 29.2) of the participants were classified as active in leisure-time, as compared with 24.4% (95% CI 22.6; 26.2) in 2010. The proportion of subjects reporting 0 minutes per week of walking, moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity practice also did not vary between 2003 and 2010. However, the proportion of active adults decreased from 39.9% (95% CI 33.0; 42.7) in 2003 to 29.7% (95% CI 24.9; 34.5) in 2010 among high-income participants. Males were more active than females in both surveys. CONCLUSIONS: Leisure-time physical activity is stable among adults living in the South of Brazil, but high-income participants are becoming less active over time. Scaling up effective and promising physical activity interventions is urgently needed in Brazil.

Tracking of physical activity during adolescence: the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE To analyze physical activity during adolescence in participants of the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study, Brazil. METHODS Data on leisure time physical activity at 11, 15, and 18 years of age were analyzed. At each visit, a cut-off point of 300 min/week was used to classify adolescents as active or inactive. A total of 3,736 participants provided data on physical activity at each of the three age points. RESULTS A significant decline in the proportion of active adolescents was observed from 11 to 18 years of age, particularly among girls (from 32.9% to 21.7%). The proportions of girls and boys who were active at all three age points were 28.0% and 55.1%, respectively. After adjustment for sex, economic status, and skin color, participants who were active at 11 and 15 years of age were 58.0% more likely to be active at 18 years of age compared with those who were inactive at 11 and 15 years of age. CONCLUSIONS Physical activity declined during adolescence and inactivity tended to track over time. Our findings reinforce the need to promote physical activity at early stages of life, because active behavior established early tends to be maintained over time.

Leisure-time physical activity and social support among Brazilian adults.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between family and friends' social support and leisure-time physical activity (PA) in adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional population-based study, conducted in Pelotas, Brazil. Leisure-time PA was measured with the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Those who reported PA practice ≥ 150 minutes on the week before the interview were considered active. Social support was evaluated through the Social Support Scale for PA and classified according to the type of PA. For analyzing the association between social support and PA, Poisson regression model was used. Analyses were stratified by sex and interactions with socioeconomic level and age were explored. RESULTS: Men and women who received social support from family and friends simultaneously were about 3 times more active than their counterparts. Friends' social support presented, in all analyses, stronger associations with PA than family support. Interactions with socioeconomic level and age were observed. CONCLUSION: Interventions targeting individuals and their social environment are likely to have greater effectiveness than those targeted on one of these aspects only.

Projeto ef+: implicações pedagógicas e nível de conhecimento sobre saúde / Ef+ intervention project: pedagogical implications and level of knowledge about health

RESUMO Objetivou-se verificar o impacto da intervenção "Educação Física+: Praticando Saúde na Escola", sobre as práticas docentes e conhecimento em saúde de escolares da cidade de Canguçu/RS. Quinze escolas participaram do estudo (grupo 1- escolas que aderiram à intervenção no ano de 2011; grupo 2- escolas que aderiam à intervenção a partir do ano de 2012). O estudo teve duração de dois anos com 883 escolares e 13 professores. Houve aumento do nível de conhecimento dos escolares no pós-intervenção (p<0,001), com maiores médias no grupo 1; encontrou-se tendência de aumento do nível de conhecimento de acordo com o número de planos de aula desenvolvidos pelos professores (p<0,001). Dos professores entrevistados (n=13), a maioria aderiu às atividades propostas (n=8) e percebeu mudanças positivas, principalmente por parte dos alunos, que passaram a realizar mais questionamentos acerca da temática em sala de aula e levar tais conhecimentos para seus familiares. Quase a totalidade dos docentes que aderiram à proposta não relatou dificuldade em desenvolver os planos (n=7). Concluiu-se que uma intervenção de curto prazo melhorou o nível de conhecimento de escolares acerca da temática saúde e atividade física e apresentou impactos positivos na prática profissional dos docentes entrevistados.

ABSTRACT The objective was to verify the impact of "Educação Física+: Praticando Saúde na Escola" intervention on teaching practices and health knowledge of schoolchildren from Canguçu city, southern Brazil. Fifteen schools participated in the study (group 1: schools that joined the intervention in the year of 2011; group 2: schools that joined the intervention in the year of 2012). This study was carried out by two years with 883 schoolchildren and 13 teachers. The schollchildren knowledge of health was improved in the post-intervention (p<0.001), with higher scores in group 1. It was found tendency to increase the level of knowledge according to the number of lesson plans developed by teachers (p<0.001). Of the teachers interviewed (n= 13), most adhered to the activities proposed (n = 8) and perceived positive changes, specially in the students, who questioned more about the subject in the classrom and bring these knowledge to their parents. Almost all teachers who adhered to the intervention did not report difficulties to develop the lessons plans (n=7). It was concluded that a short-term intervention improved the schoolchildren level of knowledge on physical activity and health and presented positive impacts on teachers professional practice.

Consumo alimentar conforme o tipo de alimentação consumida em escolas de zona rural no Sul do Brasil / Food intake according to the type of food consumed in schools in a rural area in southern Brazil

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar o consumo alimentar de escolares conforme o tipo de alimentação consumida em escolas de zona rural. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com adolescentes de 12 escolas públicas rurais de Canguçu/RS. A investigação está vinculada à intervenção "Educação Física +: Praticando Saúde na Escola". O consumo alimentar foi avaliado pelos marcadores do Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional. A variável independente principal foi o tipo de alimentação consumida (trazida de casa, fornecida gratuitamente e/ou comprada na escola). Foi utilizada a estatística descritiva e o teste de Qui-quadrado com nível de significância de p < 0,05. Participaram do estudo 526 escolares, 51,3% do sexo feminino e 88,0% que consumiram a alimentação gratuita. Entre 15-31% dos adolescentes consumiram mais de três dias na semana anterior alimentos considerados não saudáveis. Os escolares que relataram levar lanche de casa para a escola consumiram com maior frequência salada crua, frutas frescas ou salada de frutas, bolachas/biscoitos salgados e salgadinhos de pacote e refrigerante. Concluiu-se que o consumo de alimentos saudáveis entre os escolares da zona rural foi baixo e intervenções são necessárias a fim de melhorar o quadro atual de práticas inadequadas de alimentação.

Abstract The scope of the article was to evaluate food consumption according to the type of food consumed in rural schools. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among adolescents enrolled in 12 rural public schools in Canguçu in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The research was linked to the intervention named "Physical Education +: Practicing Health in School." Dietary intake was evaluated using consumption markers from the Brazilian Food and Nutrition Surveillance System. The main independent variable was the type of food consumed at school (brought from home, provided by the school free of charge and/or purchased at school). Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were used and the significance level was p<0.05. The study enlisted 526 students, 51.3% female and 88.0% consuming food free of charge. From 15% to 31% of adolescents consumed foods considered unhealthy for more than three days in the preceding week. Students who reported taking a snack to school consumed raw salad, fresh fruit or fruit salad, biscuits/crackers and packet snacks and soft drinks more frequently. It was concluded that the consumption of healthy foods among schoolchildren in rural areas was low and interventions are needed to improve the current situation of inadequate feeding practices.

Association between levels of physical activity and use of medication among older women.

The aim of this study was to determine the association between levels of physical activity and usage of medication in older women. The level of physical activity was assessed using a pedometer. Use of medication was assessed through medical records supplied in reports kept by the Family Health Program, City Health Department, São Caetano do Sul, São Paulo State, Brazil. Regular use of pharmaceuticals, regardless of type of illness or treatment, was listed. Data analysis was performed using Poisson regression to estimate the prevalence ratio. The results of the study indicated that, amongst the 271 eligible women, 84.9% had been classified as active. Only 23.2% did not use any type of medication while 29.8% used three or more medications. The level of physical activity was inversely associated with the number of medications used, under both crude analysis and after adjustment. The study concluded that higher volumes of physical activity were significantly associated with lower usage of pharmaceuticals in women who are involved in a physical activity program.

O ensino do esporte através do jogo: análise, possibilidades e desafios na educação física escolar / Teaching sports through game practice: analysis, possibilities and challenges in physical education / La enseñanza del deporte por medio del juego: análisis, posibilidades y retos en la educación física escolar

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a utilização do jogo como ferramenta metodológica para o ensino do esporte na Educação Física escolar. Professores vinculados às redes municipal e estadual atuantes na cidade de Pelotas(RS)(N=54) responderam um questionário que abor-dou a metodologia preferencial para o ensino das modalidades esportivas coletivas. A partir destes, foram identificados seis docentes cuja intervenção tinha características de ensino do esporte pautado pelo jogo. Estes foram selecionados, sendo suas aulas de Educação Física observadas e analisadas. Os resultados mostraram a factibilidade da utilização de diferentes estruturas de jogo na iniciação às modalidades coletivas envolvidas no ambiente escolar, apesar das limitações estruturais identificadas, como espaço físico e disponibilidade de materiais (AU).

The aim of this study was to analyze the use of the game as a methodological tool for the teaching of sports in Physical Education. Teachers linked to the state and municipal education working in the city of Pelotas ­Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil)(N=54) answered a questionnaire addressing the preferred methodology for the teaching of collective sports. The analysis of this article was restricted to observation of physical education classes of six teachers who characterized their approach based on the game practice. The results showed the feasibility of using different structures of games in the initiation of the collective modalities involved in the school environment, despite the structural constraints which were identified, such as space and availability of materials (AU).

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la utilización del juegocomo una herramienta metodoló-gica para la enseñanza del deporte en la Educación Física escolar. Profesores vinculados a las redes municipal y estatal, que actúan en la ciudad de Pelotas-RS (N=54), respondieronun cuestionario que se centró en la metodología preferencial para la enseñanza de las modalida-des deportivas colectivas. A partir de eso, se identificaron seis maestros, cuya intervención profesional tenía características de enseñanza dirigida por el juego.Las clases de esos maes-tros de educación física fueron observadas y analizadas. Los resultados mostraron la factibili-dad de la utilización de distintas estructuras de juego en la iniciación a las modalidades colectivas que envuelven el ambiente escolar, a pesar de las restricciones estructurales identifica-das, como espacio físico y disponibilidad de materiales (AU).

[Smoking and alcohol consumption among university students: prevalence and associated factors]. / Tabagismo e consumo de álcool em estudantes universitários: prevalência e fatores associados.

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of smoking and alcohol intake among university students from the Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil (UFPel), as well as to investigate factors associated with both habits. The sample included 485 students who were admitted to the university in 2008. Students were sampled randomly across all schools of the UFPel campus, and answered a pre-tested questionnaire, which was administered in the classroom by a member of the research team. Of the individuals interviewed, 53.9% were females and 42.3% were under 20 years. Regarding alcohol intake, 75% used alcohol once a month or less frequently, and the prevalence of risk for abusive alcohol intake was 6.2%. Regarding smoking, 10.2% reported smoking regularly or on weekends. More than 90% of those who smoked or used alcohol started before entering the university. Smoking was directly related to age and inversely related to self-rated health. In terms of alcohol intake, those who lived with friends were more likely to use it. Our data suggest the need for implementing strategies to promote healthy lifestyles among university students. However, the fact that more than 90% of individuals started to smoke or drink before entering the university suggests that interventions should target adolescents as a whole, and not only those who are university students, because onset of smoking and alcohol intake seems to occur at earlier ages.

[Association between health risk behaviors in parents and adolescents in a rural area in southern Brazil]. / Associação entre comportamentos de risco à saúde de pais e adolescentes em escolares de zona rural de um município do Sul do Brasil.

This article aimed to assess the association between health risk behaviors in parents and adolescents in a rural area. The sample included 377 schoolchildren 10 to 18 years of age and 338 parents. The following variables were analyzed: level of leisure-time and commuting physical activity, inadequate eating habits, overweight/obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Prevalence rates for smoking and alcohol consumption by adolescents in the previous 30 days were 6.7% and 27%, respectively. Forty-five percent of adolescents failed to reach the target physical activity score. Adherence to steps to healthy eating was low. Physical activity in adolescents was positively associated with that of parents, and adolescent drinking was associated with maternal alcohol consumption. There was no significant association for other behaviors. In the analysis stratified by gender, level of physical exercise in female adolescents was associated with that of fathers. Parental health risk behaviors were associated with the behaviors in the adolescent children in this rural area.

Factors associated with regular non-diet soft drink intake among adults in Pelotas, Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess factors associated with regular intake of non-diet soft drinks among adults. METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional study including 972 adults (aged 20 to 69) in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil, conducted in 2006. The frequency of non-diet soft drink intake in the 12 months prior to the study was evaluated by the question: "In general since last , how many times did you have a non-diet soft drink?". The answers were dichotomized for the analysis. Intake of non-diet soft drinks five times or more per week was considered regular intake. The association between the outcome and sociodemographic, behavioral and nutritional variables was tested using the chi-square test for heterogeneity and linear trend and a multivariate analysis was performed through Poisson regression with a robust variance. RESULTS: Approximately one in every five adults (20.4%) reported regular intake of non-diet soft drinks. Males (PR 1.50; 95%CI 1.20;2.00), smokers (RP 1.60; 95%CI 1.20;2.10) and those reporting weekly intake of snacks (PR 2.10; 95%CI 1.60;2.70) had higher prevalence of non-diet soft drink intake in the adjusted analysis. The analysis stratified by gender showed that in women regular intake of fruits and vegetables was protective against soft drinks consumption (PR 0.50; 95%CI 0.30;0.90). CONCLUSIONS: Regular intake of non-diet soft drinks among adults was high, particularly among men, young adults and smokers.

Prevalence of sedentary behavior and its correlates among primary and secondary school students / Prevalência de comportamento sedentário de escolares e fatores associados

To determine the students’ exposure to four different sedentary behavior (SB) indicators and their associations with gender, grade, age, economic status and physical activity level. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2013. The SB was collected using the HELENA instrument, composed by screen time questions (TV, video games and internet) and sitting activities on school opposite shift. The cut point of ≥2h/day was used to categorize the outcome. The Poisson regression was used for associations between the outcome and the independent variables (95% significance level), controlling for confounding variables and the possible design effect. Results: The sample was composed by 8661 students. The overall prevalence of SB was 69.2% (CI95% 68.1–70.2) on weekdays, and 79.6% (CI95% 78.7–80.5) on weekends. Females were more associated with the outcome, except to electronic games. Advanced grades students were more involved in sitting tasks when compared to the early grades. Older students were more likely to surf on net for ≥2h/day. Higher economic level students were more likely to engage in video games and internet. Active individuals were less likely to engage in SB on weekdays. Conclusions: The prevalence of SB was high, mainly on weekends. The associations with sex, age, grade and physical activity level should be considered into elaboration of more efficient interventions on SB control.

Determinar a exposição de escolares a quatro indicadores diferentes de comportamento sedentário (CS) e suas associações com gênero, série escolar, idade, condição econômica e nível de atividade física. Métodos: Um estudo transversal foi feito em 2013. Os CS foram obtidos com o instrumento Helena, composto por perguntas sobre tempo de tela (TV, videogames e internet) e atividades na posição sentada na escola em relação ao turno. O ponto de corte de ≥2 horas/dia foi usado para categorizar o desfecho. A regressão de Poisson foi usada para avaliar associações entre o desfecho e as variáveis independentes (nível de significância de 95%) e controlar as variáveis de confusão e o possível efeito do desenho. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 8.661 alunos. A prevalência geral de CS foi de 69,2% (IC95%: 68,1-70,2) em dias de semana e 79,6% (IC95%: 78,7-80,5) nos fins de semana. O sexo feminino mostrou maior associação com o desfecho, exceto para jogos eletrônicos. Estudantes de séries mais avançadas estavam mais envolvidos em tarefas na posição sentada, quando comparados com os das séries iniciais. Os alunos mais velhos eram mais propensos a navegar na internet por mais de duas horas por dia. Estudantes com condição econômica mais elevada eram mais propensos a passar o tempo em videogames e internet. Indivíduos ativos eram menos propensos a se envolver em CS durante a semana. Conclusões: A prevalência da CS foi elevada, principalmente nos fins de semana. As associações com sexo, idade, série escolar e nível de atividade física devem ser consideradas para elaborar intervenções mais eficientes no controle dos CS.

Factors associated with weight loss dieting among adolescents: the 11-year follow-up of the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study.

Evidence has shown the negative effects of unsupervised diets and those with excessive calorie restriction. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of adolescents engaging in weight loss dieting and associated factors. This was a cross-sectional study of 4,452 adolescents born in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, in 1993. The outcome was defined as adolescents that reported having practiced some type of weight loss dieting in the previous 12 months. Prevalence of such dieting was 8.6% (95%CI: 7.7;9.4), and was higher in girls. Elevated maternal body mass index (BMI) was associated with dieting among girls. The adolescent's and parents' view of the adolescent's weight, excess weight, and consumption of diet or light soft drinks were associated with adolescent dieting. There was a positive association between dieting and socioeconomic status. The findings provide important backing for policies aimed at improving adolescents' diet, since they express a major concern over weight and thus a significant percentage of individuals with erroneous and unhealthy behaviors.