Background

Clusters’ behaviors can change with age, moving from adolescence to adulthood.

This study examined physical activity (PA), diet, and sedentary behavior (SB) clusters according to age groups (11–12, 13–15, 16–17, and 18–19 years) and its association with sex and maternal education.

Brazilian National School-based Health Survey (PeNSE 2015) (n?=?16,522) data were analysed. Adolescents responded PA; consumption of fruits, vegetables; snacks, salt, and beverages (SSB); and SB. Two-step cluster analysis and Rao-Scott Chi square test were used.

The Actives; the All-day sitters; the Inactive 1 (with moderate consumption of F&V); and the Inactive 2 (with small consumption of F&V and SSB) clusters were identified. The Actives and All-day sitters existed in all age groups. The Inactive 1 were the cluster more prevalent in 11–12 (33.9%), 13–15 (42.5%) and 16–17 (43.8%) age groups while, All-day sitters were most prevalent in 18–19 (43.7%) age group. Boys were more likely to be in the Actives; as against girls in All-day sitters, Inactive 1 and 2 clusters. The Actives had a higher proportion of adolescents with low maternal education.

SB increase in clusters over the increase of age group; else, adolescents in Actives groups decreased.