Inequalities related to participation in Physical Education classes among South American adolescents: a pooled analysis with 173,288 participants

Araujo R.H.O.; Werneck A.O.; Matias T.S.; Tassitano R.M.; Martins C.M.L.; Aguilar-Farias N.; de Jesus G.M.; Ramírez-Vélez R.; Baldew S.-S.; Anza-Ramirez C.; Álvarez-álvarez M.G.; Brazo-Sayavera J.; da Silva D.R.P. · Revista Brasileira de Atividade Fisica e Saude (2024) · DOI: 10.12820/rbafs.29e0357

Resumen

We aimed to describe the prevalence of participation in Physical Education (PE) classes among South American adolescents according to sociodemographic correlates. We used nationally representative data from 11 South American countries, comprising 173,288 adolescents (>11 to 19y). Participation in PE classes was self-reported (0, 1, 2, and ≥3 days/week). Sociodemographic correlates were gender, age group, and food security status. Poisson Regression models were used to estimate the Prevalence Ratios. Around 16% of South American adolescents did not participate in PE classes, while 27% participated ≥3 days/week in PE classes. There were more boys in the ≥3 days/ week category [1.10 (1.03; 1.19)] and no gender difference in the 0 days/week category [1.03 (0.91; 1.16)]. Older adolescents (≥16y) had a higher prevalence of 0 [1.50 (1.11; 2.02)] and 1 day/week [1.18 (1.05; 1.33)], and a lower prevalence of 2 [0.70 (0.58; 0.85)] and ≥3 days/week [0.73 (0.60; 0.89)] compared to the younger adolescents (12-13y). Adolescents who reported food insecurity had a higher prevalence of 0 [1.20 (1.06; 1.36)] and ≥3 days/week [1.07 (1.02; 1.12)]. In conclusion, approximately 16% of South American adolescents do not participate in PE classes, with differences related to gender, age, and food security status.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia