Physical Activity in Mexican High Schools

Abstract

BACKGROUND:We evaluated the association between availability of specific physical activity (PA) spaces and PA practices among adolescents within Mexican high schools (HS). METHODS: Data were collected through an online survey applied to principals or person in charge of 4023 Mexican HS during the 2015-2016 school year. Adequate PA was defined as moderate to vigorous intensity PA for ≥60 minutes/day, ≥5 days/week, whereas PA-specific spaces were considered those that were available and specifically designed/used for PA. HS demographic factors were explored as covariates. Associations were estimated using a logistic regression model. RESULTS:From total participating HS, 83.10% had at least 1 PA-specific space and 31.07% had adequate PA practices. A higher number of PA-specific spaces was associated with greater adequate PA practices (33% to 61%). Possibilities for adequate PA increased when: physical education (PE) classes were led by a designated PE teacher (OR 2.39; 95%CI: 2.03-2.83); the number of enrolled students was higher (

Ethnicity, physical activity, and the dietary intake of boarding high school students: A photovoice mixed method study

“…However, the students spent most of their time sitting during recess, with little sport or physical activity. The trend is similar for adolescents in other developing countries [13,52,53]. Although the school allocated another 15 minutes every two days specifically for physical activity besides mandatory physical education (PE), most participating students were just standing instead of moving their bodies.…”

“…Although the school allocated another 15 minutes every two days specifically for physical activity besides mandatory physical education (PE), most participating students were just standing instead of moving their bodies. To achieve adequate physical activity, it was suggested that PE educators lead PE classes or allocate outdoor time [53].…”

“It’s a bit exasperating to be locked up”- an exploration of Mexican adolescents’ perceived barriers and facilitators for physical activity and healthy eating

“…Although some studies have explored physical activity and eating behaviours among Mexican students, these have been centred primarily on children 8 or have used quantitative approaches 9 . For example, in a quantitative analysis of data from 4023 adolescents attending high schools in Mexico, only 31.7% of students reported meeting physical activity recommendations 10 . In this work, adequate facilities and a specialist physical education teacher were reported by students as facilitators of physical activity guideline attainment 10 .…”

“…For example, in a quantitative analysis of data from 4023 adolescents attending high schools in Mexico, only 31.7% of students reported meeting physical activity recommendations 10 . In this work, adequate facilities and a specialist physical education teacher were reported by students as facilitators of physical activity guideline attainment 10 .…”