ABSTRACT Association between the physical activity practice environment and lifestyle habits and indicators of physical and psychosocial health

Background: The characteristics of the residen-ce environment seem to be closely related to the health status of its residents, and the infrastructure linked to the practice of physical activity may have a direct influence on health. The objective of the study was to analyze the physical activity practice environment, evaluating in ado-lescents their relationship with various lifestyle habits and indicators of physical and psychosocial health, academic performance, as well as the influence of various sociode-mographic variables. Methods: The study was carried out in a sample of 761 students (14.51 +/- 1.63 years) from 25 educational centers in a region of northern Spain. The environment for the practice of physical activity, physical activity en-gagement, the hours of night sleep, the adherence to the Mediterranean diet, the maximum oxygen uptake, the body mass index, the health-related quality of life were assessed, self-esteem, academic performance and various sociodemographic factors. Results: The residence in more favorable environ-ments for the realization of physical activity was associated with higher physical activity engagement, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, maximum oxygen uptake, self-esteem and health-related quality of life. In addition, the rates of re-sidence in more favorable environments for the realization of physical activity were lower on the part of migrants and those with low/medium socioeconomic status. Conclusions: The infrastructure linked to the practi-ce of physical activity is associated with the well-being of its residents, so interventions aimed at child and adoles-cent health should take into account the promotion of resi-dential spaces that facilitate access to said practice.