Prevalence and factors associated with physical activity in socially vulnerable children

Abstract

Introduction: Although the benefits of physical activity are widely recognized, insufficient levels have been identified among young people, especially those experiencing social vulnerability. Therefore, there is an ongoing search for health incentive strategies, especially in the early stages of life, aimed at reversing this situation. Objective: Investigate the prevalence of physical activity, weight status and motivation to participate in sports among socially vulnerable children who are participating in social projects of the state of Santa Catarina focused on sports, and compare these results according to age and sex. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study, composed of 3066 children aged seven to 11 years. Results: The study was made up of “active” and “moderately active” children of “normal weight”, considering the domains of motivation to participate in physical activities and sports: pleasure, physical fitness, technical competence, general affiliation, specific affiliation and “very important” status and emotions and competition, “important”. Accordingly, girls tend to be more “moderately active,” “overweight” and “obese” and to regard technical competence as an “important” motivational domain for physical activity when compared to boys. Participants aged 10 to 11 years were more “very active”, were more “overweight” and “obese” and considered specific affiliation more “totally important” when compared to younger participants. Conclusion: The participants of social sports projects of this sample demonstrated a level of physical activity and weight status within recommended levels, and were motivated to participate in sports in most of the domains observed. Level of evidence III; Diagnostic studies-Investigating a diagnostic test.