Physical Activity in Mexican High Schools

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Physical activity (PA) is crucial for adolescent health.
• Understanding factors influencing PA in schools is essential for public health interventions.
• Mexican high schools (HS) present a unique setting for studying PA determinants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between the availability of specific physical activity (PA) spaces and PA practices among adolescents in Mexican HS.
• To identify school-level factors associated with adequate PA levels in adolescents.

Main Methods:

• A national online survey was administered to principals of 4023 Mexican HS.
• Adequate PA was defined as moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA for ≥60 minutes/day, ≥5 days/week.
• Logistic regression models were used to estimate associations, controlling for HS demographic factors.

Main Results:

• 83.10% of HS had at least one PA-specific space; 31.07% reported adequate PA practices.
• A higher number of PA-specific spaces correlated with increased adequate PA practices (33% to 61%).
• Adequate PA was more likely with designated physical education (PE) teachers, higher student enrollment, autonomous/private funding, and northern Mexico location.

Conclusions:

• PA-specific spaces are vital for promoting adolescent PA in Mexican HS.
• The presence of qualified PE teachers and adequate school funding are key facilitators.
• School environment and resources significantly influence adolescent physical activity levels.