The Scientific World Journal (Jan 2006)

Youth Knowledge of Physical Activity Health Benefits: A Brazilian Case Study

  • Susan Gail Zieff,
  • Claudia Maria Guedes,
  • James Wiley

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1100/tsw.2006.283
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6
pp. 1713 – 1721

Abstract

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This study presents the findings of a questionnaire-based investigation of knowledge about the relationship of physical activity to health among adolescent participants of a community-based physical activity intervention program in São Paulo, Brazil. Qualitative (inductive content analysis) and quantitative methods were applied to examine the participants’ responses to two open-ended questions concerning the health benefits of physical activity and the educational goals of the intervention. More than 75% of all participants stated that health benefits (of some type) are attained through participation in physical activity. More than 50% of participants reported that the goal of the intervention was to educate people about the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle. Adolescents understand the relationship of physical activity to health as reflected in their knowledge assessments; their lifestyle choices support these beliefs. These findings offer encouragement for the development and implementation of educationally oriented interventions aimed at providing physical activity information and programming.