Correlates of vigorous physical activity in adolescents in five secondary schools in Trinidad

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlates of vigorous physical activity in adolescents in Trinidad. DESIGN AND METHODS: Adolescents (n = 344) between 11-15 years from five secondary schools in North-central Trinidad were cross-sectionally surveyed. Behavioural risk factors alcohol and smoking use, physical activity and diet were obtained by a pilot tested interviewer administered questionnaire. In addition, anthropometric measures were obtained on site at school. Multivariate logistical regression was used to analyze correlates of vigorous physical activity by sex. RESULTS: Fruit and vegetable intake (p < 0.001) and religion (p = 0.034) were correlated with vigorous physical activity in females. Lower waist circumference (p = 0.014), age (p = 0.046) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.01) were correlated with vigorous physical activity in males. Body mass index (BMI) for age data indicated that 41.3% of the children were overweight or obese. However, vigorous physical activity did not correlate with BMI for age in either sex. In the final logistic regression models, higher vigorous physical activity was associated with lower diastolic blood pressure in males (p < 0.05) and an increased daily intake of fruit and vegetables in females (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Increased dietary intake of fruits and vegetables in females and lower diastolic blood pressure in males were associated with higher vigorous physical activity. Prospective studies are required to determine and clarify the relative importance of diet and physical activity in overweight adolescents and their risk of chronic metabolic disease.