Healthier Lifestyle for Girls Who Accumulate More Years in the FitSpirit School-Based Intervention

• Published in: American journal of lifestyle medicine Vol. 16; no. 5; pp. 633 - 640
• Main Authors: de Fátima Guimarães, Roseane, Gilbert, Jo-Anne, Drapeau, Vicky, Mathieu, Marie-Eve
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-09-2022
• Subjects: Original Researchs; FitSpirit; perceived health; intervention; adolescents; physical activity
• ISSN: 1559-8276; 1559-8284
• DOI: 10.1177/1559827620964764

The main aim was to verify in a group of adolescent girls undergoing a school-based intervention if the number of years of participation in the intervention is related to healthy lifestyle habits, body weight status, and perceived health. Cross-sectional analysis of the FitSpirit data was performed. Body mass index, lifestyle variables, and perceived health were collected through an online questionnaire. Chi-square test, Fisher’s test, and ANOVA were performed. Mean age of the 272 girls was 14.7 ± 1.5 years. Higher percentage of girls with 3 or more years of participation met the recommendations for physical activity (PA) and sleep duration (P < .05). Girls who participated ≥3 years showed higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous PA than girls with 1 and 2 years of participation (P < .01). No differences were found between the number of years of participation and body mass index, screen time, fruit/vegetable consumption, or perceived health. A healthier body weight status and following recommendations for healthier habits (PA, screen time, sleep, fruit/vegetable consumption) were related to better perceived health (P < .05). Girls with more years in FitSpirit had healthier lifestyle habits (PA and sleep) compared to those with fewer years. A healthier body weight status and meeting healthy lifestyle recommendations were related to better perceived health.