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.