Subjective social status in school and in physical education classes

Abstract

Objective  The objective of the study was identify factors associated with the subjective social status perception at school and in physical education classes in a school of Florianopolis – SC.

Method  The sample consisted of 312 students, of both sexes, aged 10 to 16 years, regularly enrolled in elementary school 5th to 8th year of a municipal public school of Florianopolis - SC. Were investigated quality of life issues, physical activity, sedentary behavior, body mass index (BMI), sociodemographic characteristics and subjective social status at school and in physical education classes.

Results  The perception of social status at school was higher in girls (p = 0.003), while the perception of social status in physical education classes was higher in boys (p = 0.015). The perception of social status in physical education classes showed negative correlations with BMI (r = −0.202; p = 0.001) and time sitting during the week (r = −0.127; p = 0.026) and positively correlated with physical activity (r = 0.372; p <0.001). Furthermore, higher educational level of parents indicated higher subjective social status of adolescents at school (p≤0,001). Moreover, higher perceived social status, both in school and in physical education classes showed positive correlations with better perception of general quality of life (r = 0.264, p <0.001 and r = 0.222, p <0.001, respectively).

Conclusion  School with lower perceived social status in physical education have higher BMI and lower levels of physical activity and quality of life.

KEYWORDS Social desirability; Physical education and training; School health; Adolescent