Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 17, 2026

Breakfast Habits among Schoolchildren in the City of Uruguaiana, Brazil
Published on: July 29, 2020
Social networks, social isolation and leisure-time physical activity in Brazilian adolescent students
Rozana Silva de Souza1,2, Cristina Borges Cafruni1,3, Marlos Rodrigues Domingues4
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos. Av. Unisinos 950, Cristo Rei. 93022-750 São Leopoldo RS Brasil. mppattussi@gmail.com.
Abstract:
The objective of this article is to investigate the association between social networks, social isolation, and leisure-time physical activity among Brazilian schoolchildren. This national cross-sectional study included 101,927 9th-grade students (aged 13-15) from 3,040 schools. Leisure-time physical activity was assessed based on frequency and duration over the previous seven days and categorized into four levels: ≥300, 150-299, 1-149, and 0 minutes per week. Social isolation and social networks were measured by the frequency of feeling lonely and the number of close friends. Multinomial logistic regression estimated unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios. After adjusting for sociodemographic and behavioral factors, students who always felt isolated had 26% higher odds of being completely inactive compared to those who never felt isolated. Those with no close friends had 69% higher odds of complete inactivity versus those with three or more friends. Health promotion initiatives should address the role of peer relationships and social connectedness in shaping adolescents' physical activity patterns.
Related Concept Videos
Social Relationships and Well-Being
Impact of Social Context on Individuals
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Social Psychology and Individual Behavior
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...