Adolescent physical activity: the role of parental social support and the level of physical activity. Social Support and Physical Activity of Parents and Adolescents.
Abstract Background: Maximising the level of physical activity in adolescents has been a concern for many researchers given the benefits provided by physical activity. Aim: To verify the relationship between the level of moderate vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of parents or legal guardians and that of social support (SS) with the level of MVPA in adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional study that selected 1390 (59.6% female) adolescents. The questionnaires IPAQ, QAFA and ASAFA were used. Results: In relation to boys, receiving incentives from parents who “assist always” (OR=1.96 – CI95%=1.16–3.32) and having parents/legal guardians who meet the MVPA recommendations (OR=2.78 – CI95%=1.76–4.38) was associated with meeting the MVPA recommendations. The probability increases when adjusted by socioeconomic status (OR=3.47 – CI95%=1.73–6.96) or education level (OR=4.20 – CI95%=1.96–9.02). Regarding girls, parents who “encourage sometimes” was associated negatively (OR=0.61 – CI95%=0.37–0.98) and meet the MVPA recommendations (OR=2.04 – CI95%=1.46–2.87) was associated positively with meeting the recommendations for adolescents. The likelihood raises when adjusted by socioeconomic status (OR=2.11 – CI95%=1.36–3.29) or education level (OR=4.30 – CI95%=2.41–7.69). Conclusions: Having parents who meet with the physical activity recommendations demonstrated higher results in adolescents engaging 60 minutes of MVPA daily when compared to receiving social support, for both boys and girls.