Stages of change for physical activity among adolescents

The objective of this study was to identify and to describe factors associated with the distribution in relation to the stages of change for physical activity (SCPA) in adolescents. This cross-sectional study was carried out through data analysis from a sample of 4,207 adolescents high-school students (14-19 years old) from the state of Pernambuco (Brazil), selected by a 2-stage cluster sampling process. The data were collected by using a previously tested questionnaire (GSHS-WHO), adopting the following classifications for SCPA: (1) maintenance - subject physically active for more than 6 months; (2) action - subject physically active for less than 6 months; (3) preparation - subject is not active, but would like to become physically active in the next 30 days; (4) contemplation - subject is not active, but would like to become physically active in the next 6 months; and (5) pre-contemplation - subject is not and does not intend to become physically active in the next 6 months. Ordinal logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with SCPA. It was found that 31.1% and 16.4% of subjects, respectively, were in action and maintenance stages. The boys of 14-16 years old and, adolescents who worked and lived in the coastal region of the state, regardless of gender, were more likely to be classified in the action and maintenance stages. Age for male adolescents, and region of residence and occupational status for adolescents of both genders were identified as factors associated with SCPA.