Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze some characteristics of health-related behaviour in school children at the province of Cadiz, centering on engagement in sports and physical activity, and on dietary habits.
Methodology: Participants were 738 students, mean age 12.2 years, from primary school o high school. 50.9% were boys and 49.1% girls, who responded a Spanish adaptation of the Health Behavior in Schoolchildren Inventory.
Results: Sex differences were observed in the percentage of subjects not engaged in sports, which was higher in girls. Boys practiced sports and physical activity at a higher intensity and more time than girls. A large number of subjects considered good or normal their physical fitness, with only and small percentage describing it as regular. More than half of participants felt a support by parents, and to a smaller extent by brothers and friends. An important part of the subjects did not have breakfast every day, and some even never. A high percentage of the sample ate candies 1 to 3 days per week, being also high the intake of chips, nuts, hamburgers and sausages. Near a quarter of subjects reported not to consume vegetables.
Conclusions: Results obtained confirm the necessity of an adequate lifestyle habits education and the development of intervention programs in children and youth, counseling on diet and physical activity and targeting on girls, who are less physically active and on risk of serious disorders.