Efeitos das intervenções conduzidas por agentes comunitários de saúde em indicadores de atividade física em crianças e adolescentes: revisão sistemática

Abstract

Objective: To identify strategies and effects of interventions conducted by community health workers (CHW) on physical activity indicators (PA) in children and adolescents. Methods: In April 2019, a systematic review was developed through searches in seven electronic databases and in reference lists, seeking to identify interventions implemented by CHW, which involved PA concepts and/ or practices in samples aged among three to 19 years old. Results: Seven of the eight included studies were developed in the United States, targeting vulnerable samples. In all studies CHW received previous educational training, also covering other health topics, such as healthy eating, smoking and alcoholism. In regard of PA, three significant results were highlighted in non-controlled trials, due to the reduction of daily blocks of 30 minutes of physical inactivity; increasing the number of people involved in vigorous PA for at least six days and increasing the number of adolescents who reported moderate and vigorous PA for at least 60 minutes / day. Secondarily, two positive results were found on sedentary behaviour, by reducing the number of daily blocks of 30 minutes of screen time and reducing the sedentary behavior (SB) during weekend days. Conclusion: Despite the inconclusive effects of interventions aimed at promoting PA in children and adolescents, the available evidence suggests that CHW constitute an important dialogue strategy between health services and the most vulnerable communities. Strategies that deepen CHW actions in school contexts are required.