title: [Knowledge of pediatricians regarding physical activity in childhood and adolescence].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the knowledge and guidance given by pediatricians regarding physical activity in childhood and adolescence.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study involving a convenience sample of pediatricians (n=210) who participated in a national pediatrics congress in 2013. Sociodemographic and professional data and data regarding habitual physical activity and pediatricians' knowledge and instructions for young people regarding physical activity were collected using a questionnaire. Absolute and relative frequencies and means and standard deviations were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most pediatricians were females, had graduated from medical school more than 15 years ago, and had residency in pediatrics. More than 70% of the participants reported to include physical activity guidance in their prescriptions. On the other hand, approximately two-thirds of the pediatricians incorrectly reported that children should not work out and less than 15% answered the question about physical activity barriers correctly. With respect to the two questions about physical activity to tackle obesity, incorrect answers were marked by more than 50% of the pediatricians. Most participants incorrectly reported that 30 minutes should be the minimum daily time of physical activity in young people. Less than 40% of the pediatricians correctly indicated the maximum time young people should spend in front of a screen.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In general, the pediatricians reported that they recommend physical activity to their young patients, but specific knowledge of this topic was limited. Programs providing adequate information are needed.
authors: Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia (UFRB), Amargosa, BA, Brasil. Electronic address: alexgordia@gmail.com.
authors: Alex Pinheiro
authors: AP
authors: Gordia
authors: Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia (UFRB), Amargosa, BA, Brasil.
authors: Teresa Maria Bianchini
authors: TM
authors: de Quadros
authors: Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brasil.
authors: Luciana Rodrigues
authors: LR
authors: Silva
authors: Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brasil.
authors: Gilton Marques
authors: GM
authors: dos Santos
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D000072143:Pediatricians; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: Atividade motora; Education medical; Educação médica; Health promotion; Motor activity; Obesidade pediátrica; Pediatric obesity; Promoção da saúde