Background Nature relatedness can be associated with health-related outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the associations of nature relatedness with physical activity and sedentary behavior. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 9–12 year old children living in Cuenca, Ecuador, was conducted between October 2018 and March 2019. Questionnaires were used to evaluate physical activity (PAQ-C), out-of-school sedentary behavior, nature relatedness and wellbeing. Associations of nature relatedness with physical activity, and sedentary behavior were evaluated using linear regression models or tobit regressions adjusted by age, sex, school type, wellbeing, and body mass index z-score. Results A total of 1028 children were surveyed (average age:10.4±1.22 years, 52% female.). Nature relatedness was positively associated with physical activity (β = 0.07; CI 95%: 0.05–0.09; p < 0.001) and non-screen-related sedentary leisure (β = 3.77 minutes; CI 95%: 0.76–6.68; p < 0.05); it was negatively associated with screen time (β = -5.59 minutes; CI 95%: -10.53–0.65; p < 0.05). Conclusions Findings suggest that nature relatedness is associated with physical activity and some sedentary behaviors among Ecuadorian school-age children. The promotion of nature relatedness has the potential to improve health.

University students are considered a key population in promoting and establishing healthy lifestyles that will ensure a full life for the next generations. The purpose of this study was to do a cultural and linguistic adaptation of the healthy lifestyle questionnaire for Ecuadorian university students (EVS-EUE). Two thousand, one hundred and eight (2108) students from 17 to 19 years old (27%), 20 to 24 years old (57%), and over 24 years old (16%) participated (M = 21.81 years; SD = 3.04). A confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency analysis, and concurrent validity were conducted. The results of the EVS-EUE Questionnaire presented adequate values (χ2/d.f = 9.02, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.96, Incremental Fit Index (IFI) = 0.96, McDonald Fit Index (MFI) = 0.91, Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index (AGFI) = 0.94, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.06, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) = 0.03). The internal consistency showed values above 0.70, and analyzed its concurrent validity, reaching adequate values. This study has provided a valid and reliable questionnaire to evaluate healthy lifestyles in the Ecuadorian population.

En la actualidad los componentes psicológicos han alcanzado una importancia muy notable en la adquisición de comportamientos saludables.  Por lo tanto, este estudio analiza las diferencias entre variables psicológicas que se relacionan con la práctica deportiva en estudiantes universitarios durante el confinamiento causado por la COVID-19. El estudio tuvo una muestra de 1239 participantes (765 varones y 474 mujeres), de edades comprendidas entre los 16 y 45 años (M = 21,44; DT = 3,94). Se utilizó un cuestionario que incluyó la Behavioral Regulation in Sport Questionnaire (BRSQ), la Escala de las Necesidades Psicológicas Básicas en el Ejercicio; la Escala de Autoeficacia para la Actividad Física; y la Escala de Grado de Compromiso Deportivo.  Los resultados más relevantes muestran diferencias significativas (p<0,01) en favor del género masculino en casi todas las variables psicológicas excepto en la desmotivación, así mismo en lo que respecta a la motivación controlada y desmotivación, se encontraron diferencias significativas entre las localidades pequeñas y grandes, siendo los valores más altos en las primeras (p<0,05 y <0,01).   Se discuten los resultados con objeto de determinar las diferencias en cuanto a qué componentes psicológicos permitirían plantear intervenciones que sean más efectivas para lograr la práctica regular de actividades deportivas así como su compromiso y adherencia, mediante el uso de estrategias que vayan encaminadas a fomentar la motivación autónoma de los universitarios y contrarrestar los efectos de la motivación controlada y la desmotivación.