Do girls wash dishes and boys play sports? Gender inequalities in physical activity and in the use of screen-based devices among schoolchildren from urban and rural areas in Brazil

Objective The aim of the study was to analyze gender inequalities in types of physical activity (PA) and in the use of screen-based devices among schoolchildren from both urban and rural areas in Brazil. Methods Data from two population-based surveys conducted in 2019 (urban areas: n = 2,479; 52.6% girls; age = 9.2 ± 1.51 years) and 2022 (rural areas: n = 979; 42.6% girls; age = 9.4 ± 1.52 years) were used. PA (active play, nonactive play, home chores, and structured physical activities) and the use of screen-based devices (TV, cellphone, videogame, and computer) were self-reported in a previous-day-recall online questionnaire (Web-CAAFE). Absolute gender inequalities were evaluated and presented as equiplots. Relative gender inequalities were evaluated by the prevalence ratio (PR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), which were estimated by Poisson regression, with adjustments for age and BMI z scores. Results Girls from urban and rural areas presented a lower prevalence of active play and a higher prevalence of home chores. The prevalence of nonactive play among girls from urban areas was also lower; however, their prevalence of structured physical activities was higher, especially among girls aged seven to nine years. Girls in both urban and rural areas presented a higher prevalence of TV viewing and lower use of video games. Conclusion The gender inequalities observed in the types of physical activities and in the use of screen-based devices could be considered potential correlates of the likelihood of girls’ and boys’ compliance with the physical activity guidelines.