title: Physical activity, psychosocial and perceived environmental factors in adolescents from Northeast Brazil.
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between levels of physical activity, psychosocial and perceived environmental factors in adolescents from Northeastern Brazil. A cross-sectional epidemiologic study was conducted with 2,859 adolescents enrolled in secondary schools (57.8% females; mean = 16.5 years; SD = 1.2) in the city of João Pessoa, Paraíba State, Brazil. The following physical activity correlates were measured: attitude, self-efficacy, social support from friends and parents, and perceived environmental characteristics. Physical activity was measured using a questionnaire. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression with proportional odds model analysis showed that the following factors are positively related to physical activity levels in adolescents: attitude, self-efficacy, as well as social support from parents and friends. Physical activity intervention programs should increase self-efficacy and social support from parents and friends, as well as a positive attitude toward physical activity.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brasil.
authors.forename: José Cazuza de
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Farias Júnior
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brasil.
authors.forename: Rodrigo Siqueira
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brasil.
authors.forename: Pedro Curi
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Hallal
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D010290:Parents; D012574:Schools; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult