Introduction:: The race/skin color is an important predictor of health status of the population, as well as a marker of social inequalities.
Objective:: The aim of this paper was to describe the prevalence of the main risks and the protective factors for chronic diseases in schoolchildren, according to race/skin color differences.
Methods:: Data from the National Adolescent School-Based Health Survey (2012) were used. This is a cross-sectional study carried out in public and private schools. Prevalences were calculated according to the distribution by race/skin color. Prevalence ratios adjusted for age and maternal schooling were analyzed.
Results:: White adolescents were younger, studied more frequently in private schools and had mothers with higher levels of education in comparison to the other students. Consumption of beans and fruits was higher among black, brown, and indigenous participants. Physical activity was more frequent among indigenous people. Experimentation with alcohol was higher among white adolescents. Indigenous students reported greater physical violence. Asian and black adolescents reported experiencing greater bullying.
Conclusion:: Minimizing racial and ethnic disparities in health is necessary to disease prevention and health promotion among adolescents.