Investigating Factors Affecting the Development of Public Sports and WellBeing in Medical Universities

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors affecting the development of public sports and well-being in Iran’s medical universities.
 Methods: The present study employed a qualitative design, and the foundation theory was used to construct a conceptual model for the research. The statistical population included professors of sports management, managers and experts working in medical universities and sports organizations, and physical education coaches and teachers in medical universities. Purposeful sampling was performed, and a total of 14 interviews were conducted until saturation was reached. The data were gathered using semi-structured interviews and analyzed by open, axial, and selective coding
 Results: The factors affecting the development of public sports and health measures in Iran’s medical universities were categorized into three classes, including causal, contextual, and intervening factors. In relation to causal factors, 13 sub-categories and four main categories were identified. Regarding contextual factors, 45 sub-categories were identified in 7 main categories, and with regard to intervening factors, there were 34 sub-categories under 8 main categories.
 Conclusions: The results of this research can be provided as a roadmap to relevant organizations, such as the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and all medical universities and their managers, to formulate effective strategies to expand public sports and improve the desired health outcomes.