Ambiente escolar e promoção de atividade física em escolas da zona rural de Pelotas, RS.

Abstract

The engagement in physical activity has been associated with many health benefits, but most people do not meet the minimum amount recommended. Researchers have reported that the environment is an important factor in health behaviors, particularly the school environment, that exerts great influence on the physical activity patterns of children and adolescents. Schools with the more dedicated facilities, equipment and better spaces present positive associations with physical activity among students. Thus, it is necessary to study what schools can offer to students, as studies assessing the school environment are scarce, especially in rural communities. The objective of the study was to evaluate the school environment for physical activity in rural schools of Pelotas, Brazil. A cross-sectional, school-based study was carried out during the second half of 2014, with 26 schools located in rural Pelotas. We used an instrument to evaluate the facilities and physical activity policies, based on Brazilian studies, and a second section, elaborated from the Physical Activity Resource Assessment (PARA), adapted to the school environment, which contains assessment of data facilities and materials for the physical activity practice and safety aspects, aesthetics and cleanliness of the school environment. We observed that the teacher, the discipline of Physical Education and recess were observed in all schools. Sports courts and playgrounds were the most frequent facilities, as well as materials such as balls, hoops, exercise cones and mats. However most of these materials presented fair or poor conservation. The absence of gyms and indoor facilities, and stray animals, garbage spread and tall grass emphasize the need for attention in these institutions. Interventions are needed besides greater investment to improve and insure friendly environments for healthy lifestyles.