Prevalence and factors associated with sedentary behavior in the school recess among adolescents

Abstract Aim: To estimate the prevalence of sedentary behavior in school recess and to verify sociodemographic factors (sex, age, economic level and type of school), anthropometric indicators (body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference) and lifestyle (level of physical activity and eating habits) associated with adolescents. Method: A cross-sectional study with 583 adolescents (aged 11-17 years), from the city of Criciúma, Brazil. Sedentary behavior during school recess was self-reported. Sociodemographic and lifestyle information was obtained through a self-administered questionnaire. BMI was calculated and waist circumference was measured. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: The prevalence of sedentary behavior during school recess was 50.6% (male 44.5%, female 56.7%). Adolescents aged 14-17 years (male [OR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.26-3.53], female [OR: 2.52, 95% CI: 1.46-4.34]), from private schools (male [OR: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.49-4.37], female [OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.23-3.78]) were more likely to remain in sedentary behavior during school recess. Girls with high waist circumference (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.01-2.84) and inadequate eating habits (OR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.05-4.24) were more likely to remain in sedentary behavior during school recess. Conclusion: Half of the adolescents presented sedentary behavior during school recess. Adolescents from private schools and in the age group of 14-17 years and girls with high waist circumference and inadequate eating habits were more likely to remain in sedentary behavior during school recess.