Introduction. In 2007 and 2012, the Global SchoolBased
Student Health Survey (GSHS) and the
Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) were
implemented to estimate the prevalence of risk
behaviors and protection factors among 13 to 15
year-old adolescents.
Objective. To assess changes in dietary, body
weight, tobacco and physical activity indicators
in the past five years.
Population and Methos. Cross-sectional study.
A randomized, two-stage sampling with 600
schools selected at a national level was used.
Students from randomly selected courses
were invited to answer a self-administered
questionnaire (either the GSHS or the GYTS).
Results. In 2012, the GSHS was completed by 20
697 students from 544 schools, while the GYTS
was completed by 2062 students from 73 schools.
Between 2007 and 2012, overweight and obesity
prevalence significantly increased (overweight:
24.5% in 2007, 28.6% in 2012; obesity 4.4% in 2007,
5.9% in 2012), while the consumption of sugarsweetened
beverages and fast food remained
high. A slight improvement was observed in
the level of physical activity (12.7% in 2007,
16.7% in 2012), although it remains below what
is recommended. The prevalence of tobacco
use was reduced (24.5% in 2007, 19.6% in 2012),
but access to tobacco products and exposure to
secondhand smoke remains high in public places,
including schools.
Conclusions. The spread of the overweight and
obesity epidemic calls for a need to consolidate
actions tending towards a healthy diet and
physical activity. Despite a decrease in the
prevalence of tobacco use, it is necessary to
continue strengthening tobacco control actions