Participation in Physical Education Classes and Health-Related Behaviours among Adolescents from 67 Countries

The present study sought to examine the associations between participation in physical education (PE) classes and a range of health-related behaviours among adolescents. Secondary analysis of self-reported data from the Global Student Health Survey, collected between 2010 and 2017 from 222,121 adolescents (N = 117,914 girls; 49.0%; aged 13-17 years) from 67 countries and five world regions, was carried out. Participation in PE classes (0, 1-2, >= 3 days/week) was the independent variable. Physical activity (PA); sedentary behaviour (SB); active travel to school; fruit, vegetables, and alcohol consumption; and smoking; as well as adopting >= 5 of these healthy behaviours; were the dependent variables. Complex samples logistic regressions were performed to explore the associations between participation in PE classes and health-related behaviours. The results revealed that 18.2% of adolescents did not take part in PE classes. A total of 56.7% and 25.1% of adolescents reported participating in PE classes on 1-2 and >= 3 days/week, respectively. Only 26.8% of adolescents adopted >= 5 healthy behaviours. Participation in PE classes was positively associated with PA, active travel, fruit consumption, and vegetable consumption (only for >= 3 days/week), but was negatively associated with meeting SB recommendations, and with not smoking (only for girls and >= 3 days/week). Overall, PE participation was positively associated with adopting >= 5 healthy behaviours, with favourable results found for those who attended more PE classes. The findings revealed a positive association between participation in PE classes and a range of health-related behaviours among adolescents. This suggests that, worldwide, quality PE should be delivered at least 3 days per week up to daily to promote healthy lifestyles among adolescents.

Automated summary

This study examined the associations between participation in physical education (PE) classes and various health-related behaviors among adolescents. The analysis of data from the Global Student Health Survey revealed that participating in PE classes was positively associated with physical activity, active travel, fruit consumption, and vegetable consumption, while being negatively associated with sedentary behavior and smoking. Overall, the findings suggest the importance of providing quality PE classes at least three days per week to promote healthy lifestyles among adolescents.