Actividad física y salud mental: estrategias preventivas frente a conductas suicidas en niños y adolescentes de Guayaquil

Introduction: child and adolescent mental health became a public health priority due to the increase in suicidal ideation and behaviors, a phenomenon associated with inactive lifestyles and increased sedentary behavior in urban contexts. Objective: the study aimed to analyze the relationship between physical activity and mental health as a preventive strategy against suicidal behaviors in children and adolescents from the city of Guayaquil, considering differences by sex and age group. Methodology: a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional study with a correlational-explanatory scope was conducted. the sample consisted of students aged 10 to 17 years from educational institutions in Guayaquil. Validated questionnaires were applied to measure levels of physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and indicators of mental health and suicidal behaviors. The analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and comparisons by sex and age. Results: the findings showed a high prevalence of low and moderate levels of physical activity and elevated sedentary time. significant negative associations were identified between physical activity and suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts, as well as positive relationships between sedentary behavior and these outcomes. Relevant differences were observed according to sex and age group. Discussion: the results were consistent with previous research indicating the protective effect of physical activity and the negative impact of sedentary behavior on adolescent mental health. Conclusions: physical activity constitutes a relevant preventive strategy for promoting mental health and reducing the risk of suicidal behaviors in children and adolescents from Guayaquil.