Prevalence and factors associated with physical activity in adolescents from five secondary schools in northern Peru

With the persistence of global challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become essential to explore the dynamics of physical activity in adolescents. Although knowledge exists on the importance of physical activity for overall health, understanding the factors influencing adolescent physical activity patterns remains a less explored terrain. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with physical activity in adolescents in Lambayeque, Peru.

An analytical cross-sectional study with secondary data analysis was conducted in adolescents from five secondary schools. Physical activity was assessed using the PAQ-A questionnaire. Its association with various factors was investigated, such as bullying (EBIPQ questionnaire), self-esteem (Rosenberg questionnaire), family dysfunctionality (APGAR Family questionnaire), resilience (abbreviated CD-RISC questionnaire), insomnia (ISI questionnaire), depressive-anxious symptoms and stress (DASS21 questionnaire), suicidal risk (Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale), eating disorder (SCOFF questionnaire), acne (Spanish Acne Severity Scale-EGAE), and quality of life (DLQI questionnaire).

Of 1266 adolescents, the mean age was 14.6 years, and 54.6% were male. The prevalence of active physical activity was 33.8% (95% CI: 31.20-36.49). In multiple regression analysis, factors associated with physical activity included male sex (PR: 1.51), having a very frequent family approach (PR: 1.26), a high level of resilience (PR: 1.15), having a crush (PR: 1.19), and mild anxious symptoms (PR: 1.30). In contrast, frequent use of social networks (PR: 0.72), moderate (PR: 0.64) or severe (PR: 0.66) family dysfunctionality, medium (PR: 0.85) and low (PR: 0.80) levels of self-esteem, and an extreme effect on quality of life due to acne (PR: 0.66) were negatively associated with physical activity.

The findings reveal a relatively low prevalence of active physical activity among adolescents. The positive association with resilience, family closeness, and mild anxious symptoms highlights the importance of strengthening protective factors to encourage physical activity in this vulnerable group. Conversely, the negative influence of family dysfunctionality, low self-esteem, and the impact of acne on quality of life underscores the need to address these psychosocial aspects to promote a healthy lifestyle in adolescents in the post-COVID era. These findings inform more effective intervention strategies, thus contributing to the holistic well-being of youth in the current global health landscape.