Relationship between sport and physical activity and alcohol consumption among adolescents students in Murcia (Spain)

Abstract

Introduction. Sports and physical activity are major components of a healthy lifestyle. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between sport and physical activity and alcohol consumption among adolescent students based on gender. Population and methods. Descriptive, crosssectional, comparative study conducted in adolescent students (aged between 14 and 17 years old) from the Region of Murcia in 2014. Sport and physical activity was assessed using a validated, adapted survey that included both the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Monitoring the Future survey. Eleven school facilities from different districts of the Region of Murcia (Spain) participated. Results. Five hundred and sixty-four adolescent students were included. Among boys, 51.8% reported to be regularly active, versus 21.8% of girls. Significant differences were observed in terms of alcohol consumption by gender (31.1% for boys versus 48.2% for girls, p = 0.000). A significant, reverse relationship between sport and physical activity and alcohol consumption was observed among both boys and girls. Conclusions. The level of sport and physical activity is higher among adolescent boys than girls. Sport and physical activity shows a positive association with a lower level of alcohol consumption among both genders.

Physical Activity and Sports—Real Health Benefits: A Review with Insight into the Public Health of Sweden

“…Positive effects are achieved primarily through physical activity, which is the main part of most sports. Many secondary effects of sport also bring health benefits, such as psychosocial development of both young [1] and old [2], personal development [3], later onset, and less consumption of alcohol [4,5]. Finally, those who play sports have a higher level of physical activity later in life [6], and through sport, knowledge of nutrition, exercise, and health can be developed [7].…”

A study of factors affecting the physical activity of youth: analysis of data from the 13th youth health behavior online survey in 2017

“…Improper behaviors such as drinking, smoking, and drug use are the factors that make the physical health as well as mental health of the youth vulnerable. López Villalba et al (2016) reported that physical activity positively correlates with low alcohol consumption for boys and girls in adolescence, and the result was higher in male youth than female youth. In addition, physical activity is also used to control smoking.…”

Factores predictores del consumo de alcohol en adolescentes: datos de un estudio prospectivo de 1 año de seguimiento

“…No obstante, la asociación entre eventos deportivos y consumo de alcohol podría deberse a: las celebraciones con alcohol tras las victorias deportivas son frecuentes; o a la participación en competiciones conlleva a veces el viajar fuera del domicilio paterno, lo cual podría incrementar la probabilidad de consumos alcohólicos (Tahiraj et al, 2016). En cualquier caso, la asociación entre consumo de alcohol y deporte en jóvenes no está clara, con algunos estudios que encuentran que el consumo peligroso de alcohol es más frecuente en chicos que han participado mayor tiempo en deportes (OR = 1,49) (Sajber, Tahiraj, Zenic, Peric y Sekulic, 2016) y otros que muestran un efecto positivo del deporte en jóvenes que se concreta en menos consumo de alcohol (Lopez, Rodriguez, Garcia y Perez, 2016).…”