Hábitos alimentares e de atividade física associados a risco para o desenvolvimento de câncer: Prevalência em adolescentes

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the prevalence of dietary habits and of physical exercise with the potential risk for the development of cancer, in a sample of adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional study that recruited schoolers aged 12-15 years during the academic year 2011-2012 in the city of Uruguaiana (Brazil). Data collection was performed with a questionnaire containing 11 inquiries with demographic and behavioral variables. Results: The sample included 956 adolescents, of whom 498 (52.1%) were boys. Among the 956 participants, 215 (22.7%) performed less than 30 minutes a day of physical activity; 781 (81.7%) consumed sugary drinks; 119 (12.4%) had at least two alcoholic drinks per day; 807 (84.4%) ate red meat; 342 (35.7%) ate high-sodium snacks; and 726 (75.9%) consumed fast-food. Girls practiced less physical activity, consumed less red meat and more fast-food than boys. Age was inversely associated to physical exercise and positively associated to consuming sugary drinks and alcohol. Conclusions: The young population we studied presented high-risk behaviors such as low level of physical activity, and consumption of salty foods, red meat, fast food, sugary drinks and alcohol, which are associated with the increase of prevalence of several types of cancer.