Eating habits, physical activity and sedentary behavior among Brazilian schoolchildren: National Student Health Survey, 2015

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Urbanization and industrialization have contributed to changes in eating patterns, as well as the emergence of sedentary behaviors and reduced physical activity. Objectives: To identify and describe the prevalence of eating habits, physical activity and sedentary behavior in Brazilian schoolchildren, and to analyze their association with sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: Data from the National Student Health Survey (PeNSE) of 2015 were used. Prevalence rates, prevalence ratios, and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated. The analyses were adjusted for age and maternal schooling. Results: The majority of adolescents: consumed beans (65.1%) and snacks (52.3%); had more than three days of physical education at school (50.7%); practiced physical activity out of school for more than three days (55.4%); had a sedentary behavior (73.3%); and, had physical activity during 60min/day for less than four days a week (72.7%). In general, girls were more exposed to unhealthy eating habits and sedentary behavior, and a higher socioeconomic level was associated with higher prevalence of the indicators studied. High consumption of unhealthy foods, increased sedentary behavior and reduction in the practice of physical activity. Conclusion: An association of unhealthy attitudes with sociodemographic characteristics was observed among schoolchildren. Strategies that focus on reducing these behaviors will contribute to health promotion actions in the school and family environments.