Promotion of physical activity in schoolchildren and adolescents

Abstract

To examine the correlates of non-compliance with the movement behaviors (MB) recommendations, and the association with nutritional status in Mexican schoolchildren and adolescents. Materials and methods. Cross-sectional study with data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2022-2023 (Ensanut 2022-2023), including MB (physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep), sociodemographic characteristics (sex, well-being index, educational level, and rural/urban area) and nutritional status (body mass index). Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used. Results. Being female, living in urban areas, and having a higher well-being index were associated with not meeting any of the three MB recommendations (schoolchildren) or some individual MBs (schoolchildren and adolescents). Not meeting any of the three MB recommendations was associated with higher odds of being overweight or obesity in adolescents. Conclusions. Strategies to promote healthy MB with a gender perspective, especially in urban areas and among those with a higher well-being index, should be prioritized.