Sociodemographic determinants of health behaviors among Brazilian adolescents: Trends in physical activity and food consumption, 2009-2015.

INTRODUCTION

Food consumption habits and physical activity levels are health behaviors influenced by sociocultural factors during adolescence. This study analyzes the trends and the sociodemographic determinants in the adoption of health behaviors among students in Brazilian state capitals regarding frequencies of consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods and level of physical activity in 2009, 2012 and 2015.

METHODS

This study comprises an investigation of three editions of a cross-sectional survey conducted, at national level, by the Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics in partnership with the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Students attending elementary school ninth grade in public and private schools were selected using two stage sampling process to participate in the survey in 2009, 2012 and 2015. We selected variables that were comparable in the three editions of the survey, including individual-level sociodemographic and behavioral features, and household-level family and geographical characteristics. The dependent variables selected for multivariate logistic regression models included physical activity levels and frequencies of healthy and unhealthy foods consumption.

RESULTS

Male adolescents from higher socioeconomic strata in 2009 and 2015 and students who declared frequent consumption of healthy foods were more likely to practice physical activities. However, there was a significant decrease in physical activity among Brazilian adolescents during the period analyzed, independently of socioeconomic strata. Healthy eating patterns were observed among non-white adolescents, students who declared having meals with their parents, and individuals who fulfill recommendations of physical activity level throughout the week. On the other hand, unhealthy eating pattern was more frequently observed among female adolescents and students who declared having meals while watching television.

CONCLUSION

Evidence shows limited effects of socioeconomic level on the adoption of healthy behaviors among adolescents in Brazil, and influence of family practices on the establishment of healthy food consumption patterns (e.g., presence of parents and absence of practices like watching television during meals).