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Vol. 11 - Num. 42

Original Papers

Physical activity in Spanish children. Associated factors and evolution 2003-2006

Carmen Casado Péreza, N Alonso Fernándezb, V Hernández Barrerac, R Jiménez Garcíad

aEnfermera. CS Baviera, Servicio Madrileño de Salud, Área 2. Madrid. España.
bLicenciada en Biología. Técnico de Laboratorio. Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud I, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. Alcorcón. Madrid. España.
cEstadístico. Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud I, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. Alcorcón. Madrid. España.
dProfesor. Doctor en Medicina. Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud I, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. Alcorcón. Madrid. España.

Correspondence: C Casado. E-mail: carmencp26@hotmail.com

Reference of this article: Casado Pérez C, Alonso Fernández N, Hernández Barrera V, Jiménez García R. Physical activity in Spanish children. Associated factors and evolution 2003-2006. Rev Pediatr Aten Primaria. 2009;11:219-31.

Published in Internet: 30-06-2009 - Visits: 18768

Abstract

Introduction: sedentary lifestyle is one of the main problems in present-day society. This study analyzes the main factors that have an influence on the physical activity habits among Spanish young people aged 6 to 15 and determines its main trends during leisure time from 2003 to 2006.

Methods: this is a cross-sectional study. The sample size is 4,420 children aged 6 to 15 in 2003 and 5,771 in 2006. A first univariate analysis is carried out and then, with the resulting significant variables, a multivariant logistic regression is made. Finally, the trend is determined.

Results: seventy-eight point three percent and the 89.1% of these children were active in 2003 and 2006 respectively. The percentage of active boys was higher than that of girls for all age categories, except for children aged 6 to 7 in 2003. Children with a good health (considered by their parents) were more active than those without it. Those young people whose parents have high educational levels, practice more physical activity than those whose parents have lower studies.

Conclusions: youth practise more exercise during their leisure time ultimately. The strategies directed to promote physical activity in children must take into account characteristics of age, sex, health perception and educational level of the head of the household.

Keywords

Education Food habits Income Leisure activity Lifestyles Obesity Physical activity

 

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