Back to Search Start Over

Do girls wash dishes and boys play sports? Gender inequalities in physical activity and in the use of screen-based devices among schoolchildren from urban and rural areas in Brazil

Authors :
Gilmar Mercês de Jesus
Lizziane Andrade Dias
Anna Karolina Cerqueira Barros
Lara Daniele Matos dos Santos Araujo
Mayva Mayana Ferreira Schrann
Source :
BMC Public Health, Vol 24, Iss 1, Pp 1-11 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
BMC, 2024.

Abstract

Abstract Objective The aim of the study was to analyze gender inequalities in types of physical activity (PA) and in the use of screen-based devices among schoolchildren from both urban and rural areas in Brazil. Methods Data from two population-based surveys conducted in 2019 (urban areas: n = 2,479; 52.6% girls; age = 9.2 ± 1.51 years) and 2022 (rural areas: n = 979; 42.6% girls; age = 9.4 ± 1.52 years) were used. PA (active play, nonactive play, home chores, and structured physical activities) and the use of screen-based devices (TV, cellphone, videogame, and computer) were self-reported in a previous-day-recall online questionnaire (Web-CAAFE). Absolute gender inequalities were evaluated and presented as equiplots. Relative gender inequalities were evaluated by the prevalence ratio (PR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), which were estimated by Poisson regression, with adjustments for age and BMI z scores. Results Girls from urban and rural areas presented a lower prevalence of active play and a higher prevalence of home chores. The prevalence of nonactive play among girls from urban areas was also lower; however, their prevalence of structured physical activities was higher, especially among girls aged seven to nine years. Girls in both urban and rural areas presented a higher prevalence of TV viewing and lower use of video games. Conclusion The gender inequalities observed in the types of physical activities and in the use of screen-based devices could be considered potential correlates of the likelihood of girls’ and boys’ compliance with the physical activity guidelines.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14712458
Volume :
24
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
BMC Public Health
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.7016cf9de14a40228978772db9154555
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-17672-1