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Promoting Physical Activity Participation Among Adolescents: The Barriers and the Suggestions Publisher



Peykari N1, 2, 3 ; Eftekhari MB3 ; Tehrani FR4 ; Afzali HM5 ; Hejazi F3 ; Atoofi MK6 ; Qorbani M1, 7 ; Asayesh H8 ; Djalalinia S1, 2, 3
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Science Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Development of Research and Technology Center, Deputy of Research and Technology, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute For Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshty University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
  5. 5. Health Research Institute of Tehran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  6. 6. School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Tehran Psychiatric Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  7. 7. Departement of Community Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
  8. 8. Department of Medical Emergencies, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran

Source: International Journal of Preventive Medicine Published:2015


Abstract

Background: Physical activity is a complex behavior. To designing the effective intervention, qualitative researches may be allowed for greater understanding of the reasons behind the adolescences’ physical activity‑related behaviors’. Methods: Using the grounded theory approach, including semi‑structured focus group discussions (FGDs) and in‑depth interviews, we conducted a quantitative study to elicit the adolescents and key informants’ opinion regarding the satiation, needs, social and environmental barriers of adolescents’ physical activity. For FGDs, participants were selected from volunteered adolescent (aged 10–19 years) of the populated western part of Tehran, which was selected as a research field. Key informants were invited from the health professionals and experts in the field of adolescents’ health. Results: According to findings, although the majority of participants agreed on the important role of physical activity, the lack of essential motivation and the pressure of educational assignments remove it from the daily program priorities. Lack of a safe environment for girls’ physical activity and high cost of professional sports were two first mentioned barriers. It was also suggested that future interventions should focus on improving more parents’ engagement and their direct participation in physical activities with their adolescents. Conclusions: We proposed the participatory strategies for adolescent’s physical activity promotion. Through which target groups participation during the designing, development, and implementation of health programs led to more effective interventions. © 2015 Peykari N.