Leisure-time physical activity preferences and associated sociodemographic factors in adolescents

The practice of leisure-time physical activities is essential for the healthy development of adolescents, positively influencing their physical and mental health. This study aimed to describe leisure activity preferences and associated sociodemographic factors among adolescents. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study involving 359 adolescents with a mean age of 12.6 ± 0.67 years from the public school system in the municipality of Jutaí, Amazonas. All the sociodemographic information and preferences for leisure activities were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The majority of adolescents (63.2%) preferred physical activities during leisure time. Physical activities were preferred regardless of gender, age or economic status. However, slightly higher prevalences were observed among 13-year-olds (65.6%), female adolescents (64.0%) and those from the lowest socioeconomic stratum (65.3%). We conclude that the predominance of preference for leisure-time physical activities among adolescents in Jutaí highlights the importance of promoting and encouraging these practices. It is recommended that local public policies invest in adequate infrastructure and programs to encourage physical activity, taking into account the sociodemographic profile of the students, in order to foster a healthy lifestyle