Physical activity level of high school students at a federal public institution in Paraíba

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Studies show that engaging in physical activities leads to improvements in adolescents’ mental well-being, cognitive performance, and reading skills.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the level of physical activity among students at the Federal Institute of Paraíba (IFPB), João Pessoa campus; the activities performed outside the school environment; and limitations on participation due to financial cost.
METHODS: A sociodemographic questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were administered. Practices not performed outside the school environment due to financial constraints were also assessed.
RESULTS: It was identified that 63.8% of the sample practiced physical exercise. When stratified by gender, 77.1% of males reported practicing physical exercise, whereas among females this percentage was 54.5%. Among those who reported practicing physical exercise, 85.7% of males stated that they exercised outside the school environment (either exclusively or in conjunction with school-based activities), compared to 80% of females. Overall, 77% of students were classified as very active or active; when stratified by gender, this proportion was 84.4% among males and 72.3% among females. Limitations on engaging in activities outside the school environment due to the financial cost of some activities were also identified.
CONCLUSION: It was concluded that most students were active and engaged frequently in physical activities, and that boys tended to practice physical activities more than girls. Additionally, the significant presence of girls in the categories “Irregularly Active A,” “Irregularly Active B,” and “Sedentary” indicates the need for greater attention to promote more effective and regular participation among them. Furthermore, it is important to highlight that a considerable number of students did not practice any type of physical exercise due to their financial situation, underscoring the need to map and expand opportunities for physical activity offered by public authorities for this population.