Determinants of Exercise Behavior in Female Adolescents

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the current status of exercise behavior in female adolescents and analyze the factors which determined the exercise behavior in female adolescents. The study population consisted of daytime students in girls’ classes from various high schools/vocational schools in Tainan City and Tainan County. Structured questionnaires were given based on Probability Proportionate to Size Sampling Method (PPS) and a sum of 536 valid samples was collected. Data analyses were processed with one-way ANOVA, Chi-square test and regression analysis. The results indicated that among the 536 female adolescents, as high as 71.6% (n=384) fall into the category of sedentary lifestyle when inquired about exercise for the past month (excluding physical education class). Body mass index had led to significant difference in intensity and duration of exercise and whether or not participating in exercise; whereas perceived health status had led to significant difference in frequency of exercise and whether or not participating in exercise. The predictors for exercise behavior in female adolescents were perceived self-efficacy for exercise, perceived barriers to exercise and social support for exercise. The results herein can be applied in the field of healthy life to comprehend the current exercise behavior in female adolescents and its determinants; thus, serving as reference for healthy life practice and health education.