Time Trends of Physical Activity Among Brazilian Adolescents Over a 7-Year Period

PurposeTo evaluate time trends in physical activity among adolescents aged 10 to 19 years living in southern Brazil over a 7-year period.MethodsTwo population-based cross-sectional surveys with similar methodologies were carried out in the city of Pelotas, Brazil, in 2005 and 2012. Leisure-time and transport-related physical activity were measured using a validated questionnaire. A cut-off point of 300 minutes per week was used to classify adolescents as active or not. We also analyzed the two domains of physical activity (leisure time and transportation) separately.ResultsThe prevalence of physical inactivity was 69.6% (95% CI 66.5–73.2) in 2005 and 69.9% (95% CI 66.5–72.7) in 2012. The percentage of active adolescents in leisure time also remained stable in the period (26.3% in 2005 [95% CI 23.3–29.2] vs. 28.1% in 2012 [95% CI 24.9–31.4]). Among boys, we observed an increase in the practice of some leisure-time activities—weight lifting (87%) and running (78%)—and a decline in others—volleyball (61%) and basketball (56%). Among girls, the only significant difference was an increase in the practice of weight lifting (271%). The prevalence of active commuting to and from school declined from 69% (95% CI 65.6–72.4) in 2005 to 56.5% (95% CI 52.5–60.2) in 2012.ConclusionsThere was a significant decline in active commuting to school among adolescents. Interventions promoting active commuting modes to school are urgently needed in Brazil.     

The Control of Smoking: Smoking Rate in Designated Smoking and No-Smoking Areas

Unobtrusive measurements were taken over a 5-day period at three hospital areas designated as smoking permitted and three designated as no-smoking. A surprisingly high degree of compliance was observed in the no-smoking areas. Of particular significance is the absence of any reported patient complaints or criticisms in regard to the controlled-smoking policy. The practical advantages of a comprehensive, hospital-wide sign program designating smoking and no-smoking areas are discussed.     

The school as a health promoter for children with asthma: The purpose of an education programme

BackgroundNot only is asthma one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in children under 15 years and one of the main reasons for primary care outpatient visits, it also accounts for 13 million lost days of school annually, which can affect children's learning, integration at school and overall academic achievements.Material and methodsThis review article highlights the important role of the school in helping children and adolescents to control and manage their asthma through integrated and coordinated actions of health professionals, school staff, family, and the community.ResultsWe recommended key elements for a multidisciplinary team asthma school programme that can be replicated and implemented especially in developing countries where children and adolescents are in a more disadvantaged environment.ConclusionThis multidisciplinary asthma school intervention when demonstrated with efficacy can be applied in the context of the real world, where many children and families who need care the most currently do not receive it.     

Interparental conflict and adolescents' self-representations: The role of emotional insecurity

Adolescents' signs of emotional insecurity in the context of interparental conflict (IC) – emotional reactivity, internal representations (i.e., constructive/destructive; spillover) and behavioral responses (i.e., withdrawal; inhibition; involvement) – were examined as mediators in the relation between IC and adolescents' self-representations. Self-reported measures were filled out by 221 Portuguese adolescents (59.3% girls; Mage = 12.91), attending public elementary and secondary schools. IC predicted less favorable self-representations. Adolescents' emotional reactivity and withdrawal mediated the relation between IC and emotional and physical appearance self-representations, while conflict spillover representations and constructive family representations mediated associations between IC and instrumental self-representations. This study emphasizes the importance of interparental conflict and adolescent emotional insecurity in the construction of their self-representations, having important theoretical and practical implications. It highlights the value of analyzing the specific role of several emotional insecurity dimensions, and informs practitioners' work aimed at promoting constructive conflict and adaptive emotional regulation skills.