Promoting awareness of sedentary behavior and physical activity awareness among rural youth through bocce game: a qualitative study

Abstract

In youth, it is important to promote physical activity habits. The multifactorial nature of rural areas affects individuals' physical activity habits, and sustainable strategies are needed to promote sedentary behavior and physical activity awareness among rural youth. The research data consists of qualitative interviews with healthy rural youth after the bocce game activity. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 volunteers who participated in the activity using a semi-structured interview form. Qualitative findings are divided into nine main themes: Thoughts on bocce game activity; meaning of physical activity and thoughts on the topic; physical activity and its effect on health; thoughts on the frequency, duration, intensity, and type of physical activity; meaning of sedentary behavior and thoughts on the topic; sedentary behavior and its effect on health; thoughts on the frequency and duration of sedentary time and the type of sedentary behavior; promoting awareness of sedentary behavior and physical activity through bocce game; expectations from institutions. The findings highlight that bocce is a vital strategy to encourage physical activity and sedentary behavior awareness among youth in rural areas. Local authorities have a critical role in supporting physical activity and sedentary behavior awareness in rural areas.