Health-Related Physical Fitness and Associated Sociodemographic Factors in Adolescents from a Brazilian State Capital

Purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between health-related physical fitness and sociodemographic factors in students from a capital city of a Brazilian state. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 605 students aged 15 to 19 years. Sociodemographic data were collected, including gender, age, education level and family income, and correlated to physical fitness levels. Results. The percentages of students with unhealthy body composition, unhealthy skeletal muscle fitness and aerobic fitness levels were 23.8%, 34.4% and 30.5%, respectively. There was a trend for fewer male adolescents (OR: 0.65; IC95%: 0.42-0.98) to have unhealthy body composition. Students from lower socioeconomic families were less likely to have musculoskeletal unfitness (OR = 0.60; IC95%: 0.41-0.89). In relation to aerobic fitness, male students (OR = 3.86; IC95%: 2.67-5.58) and those aged 17-19 years (RO = 1.49; IC95%: 1.02-2.177) were more likely to be unfit. Conclusions. It is important to encourage young people to take part in sports and physical activities at moderate to vigorous intensities in order to improve their body composition, aerobic capacity and physical fitness.