Use of leisure spaces from the perspective of adolescents in a medium-sized Brazilian municipality

ABSTRACT

This study aims to analyze the main spaces used by adolescents for leisure activities, aiming to understand the influence of gender and economic class on the choices of these spaces. This is an epidemiological study carried out with 1st-year high school students, with data collection carried out via questionnaire between 2022 and 2023. The spaces used for leisure activities were the main research variable, using descriptive and bivariate analyses. A total of 1,616 adolescents were evaluated, with the most used spaces being shopping malls, squares/courts, and public parks, indicating associations between gender and economic class. The data reinforce the need for public policies that create and maintain free, safe, and accessible leisure spaces for all.

Keywords:
Leisure spaces; Free time; Adolescent; Epidemiological survey