Physical Activity Behavior In Adolescents Research Articles

Built for movement: Neighborhoods and adolescent physical activity behaviors, and the moderating role of socioeconomic position and gender

This study examined whether the built environment was associated with physical activity among adolescents in Oslo, Norway, and the role of socioeconomic position and gender as potential moderators of this association. We used data from 897 adolescents who participated in the TACKLE cross-sectional study conducted in 2020. Built environment features (recreational facilities, parks, forest, public transport, traffic calming devices, and schools) were assessed objectively using Geographical Information Systems. Physical activity data included device-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, total physical activity, and self-reported active transportation to school. Using general linear models and logistic regression, we found that most built environment features were unrelated to the participants’ device-measured physical activity. Longer distances to school and to traffic calming devices were associated with decreased likelihood of participants reporting active transportation to school. Our moderated regression analysis showed that adolescents with low socioeconomic backgrounds seemed less affected by longer distances to school compared with their high socioeconomic counterparts. Furthermore, boys appeared to be more sensitive to traffic safety relative to girls. Implementing traffic calming devices may enhance active transportation to school and improve traffic safety for Norwegian adolescents.

The Impact of Different Levels of Typical School Provision of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sports on Adolescent Physical Activity Behaviors, Health and Wellbeing

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of different levels of typical school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports on the physical activity behaviors, health and wellbeing of Irish adolescents (13–14 years). Methods: A cross-sectional sample (n = 795) of adolescents (age: 14.28 ± 0.45), enrolled at schools that are representative of higher (n = 7), moderate (n = 6) and lower (n = 7) levels of a typical school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports was included. A physical activity behaviors, health and wellbeing questionnaire with established test–retest reliability was utilized to measure the variation in physical activity behaviors, health and wellbeing. Results: Data analysis indicated a significant variation in the levels of physical activity behaviors and health across different levels of typical school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports. The evidence was reported both as unadjusted group level analysis and adjusted covariate analysis. Favorable outcomes for higher levels of typical school provision were found for physical activity participation, body mass index, social support from peers to participate in physical activity and enjoyment of physical education for girls and somatic health complaints and enjoyment of physical education for boys. Conclusions: The findings stemming from this inquiry enable schools to optimize their environments for health promotion and, thus, further enhance their contribution to public health policy.

Effects of virtual interventions based on the theory of planned behavior to improve obesity-preventive lifestyle among girls, during COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundAdolescence is a critical period for the spread of obesity and overweight. This research was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of an educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior on promoting obesity-related behaviors in overweight female students in Gachsaran.Methodsthis quasi-experimental study was conducted on 90 female students of the first secondary school in the form of two intervention and control groups. Information related to nutritional status and the structures of the theory of planned behavior were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability have been confirmed. The educational intervention was carried out during five virtual training sessions. The data obtained three months after the intervention were analyzed using SPSS statistical software, version 20, using independent t-tests, paired t-tests, and equivalent non-parametric tests.ResultsThe present study showed that the scores of the constructs of awareness, perceived behavior control, subjective norms, intention, and nutritional behaviors were significantly improved after the intervention (p < 0.001). The results of the Mann-Whitney test showed that the two intervention and control groups did not have a significant difference in terms of the average overall physical activity score after the intervention (p = 0.078).ConclusionThe results of the present study showed that training based on the theory of planned behavior in the conditions of COVID-19 disease and in a virtual form had an effect on nutritional behavior but could not increase physical activity behavior in adolescents with weight loss.

Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviors in 2021 and Changes from 2019 to 2021 Among High School Students - Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2021.

The fall of 2021 was the first school semester to begin with widespread in-person learning since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Understanding dietary and physical activity behaviors of adolescents during this time can provide insight into potential health equity gaps and programmatic needs in schools and communities. This report uses data from the 2021 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted among a nationally representative sample of U.S. public and private school students in grades 9-12 to update estimates of dietary and physical activity behaviors among U.S. high school students overall and by sex and race and ethnicity. In addition, 2-year comparisons (2019 versus 2021) of these behaviors were examined. In 2021, daily consumption of fruits, vegetables, and breakfast during the past 7 days remained low and decreased overall with specific disparities by sex and race and ethnicity from 2019 to 2021. The overall prevalence of students attending physical education classes daily, exercising to strengthen muscles on ≥3 days/week (i.e., met the guideline for muscle-strengthening activity), and playing on at least one sports team decreased from 2019 to 2021; whereas being physically active for ≥60 minutes/day on all 7 days (i.e., met the guideline for aerobic activity) and meeting both aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines remained low but did not change. These findings underscore the need for strategies to increase healthy dietary and physical activity behaviors both in the recovery phase of COVID-19 and longer term.

The Impact of Typical School Provision of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sports on Adolescent Physical Activity Behaviors: A Systematic Literature Review

The Impact of Typical School Provision of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sports on Adolescent Physical Activity Behaviors: A Systematic Literature Review

S06 Engaging peers, parents and pupils to increase physical activity among adolescents

BackgroundRegular physical activity is associated with physiological and mental health benefits for adolescents including improved fitness and cardiometabolic health, increased muscle and bone strength and reduced risk of obesity. Despite this, globally, many adolescents (81%) fail to meet physical activity guidelines. Physical activity levels decline as children move into adolescence and through to adulthood and may affect the likelihood of developing chronic health conditions. It is recognised that parental support and friendship networks play an important role in attenuating declines in physical activity during adolescence and it is vital that we develop effective interventions to help adolescents stay active.AimThis symposium will engage policymakers, professionals, scientists and stakeholders to discuss research projects on Engaging peers, parents and pupils to increase physical activity among adolescents. The goals of this symposium are to highlight the challenges and ongoing work to address sub-optimal levels of physical activity in this population and disseminate the results of novel physical activity interventions to develop knowledge and understanding. This symposium will share experiences, learning and best practice in Patient and Public Involvement (PPI), transitioning from formative research to feasibility testing and upscaling interventions and it will also allow for debate and to identify gaps and priority areas for physical activity among adolescents.Symposia presentations1. Putting young people at the heart of physical activity research design: The Walking In ScHools (WISH) Study (Professor Marie Murphy, Ulster University)This presentation will outline the importance of youth PPI and demonstrate how PPI can be embedded within research design using the WISH Study Youth Advisory Group as a case study.2. The Girls Active Project (GAP): Co-design and feasibility of an after school-based physical activity intervention (Sara McQuinn, Dublin City University)This presentation will discuss the factors influencing physical activity behaviour in adolescents, outline how using public and patient involvement (PPI) and the behaviour change wheel provided a framework for developing the Girls Active Project, and the results from our feasiblity trial.3. Supporting our lifelong engagement: mothers and teens exercising (SOLE MATES); from formative research to feasibility testing (Dr Elaine Murtagh, University of Limerick).Dr Murtagh will discuss the value of formative research in developing interventions and present findings from a novel mother-daughter multi-component physical activity programme.4. Co-production of the Move Well, Feel Good movement behaviours intervention (Stuart Fairclougt, Edge Hill University)This presentation will describe phase 1 of the Move Well, Feel Good study, which aimed to co-produce and evaluate the feasibility of a primary school physical activity intervention to improve children’s motor competence and mental health.5. The Walking In ScHools (WISH) Study: Development and evaluation of a peer-led school-based walking intervention in adolescent girls from pilot to fully-powered trial (Professor Marie Murphy, Ulster University)Professor Murphy will describe how the WISH pilot study guided the development of a full trial to evaluate the effects of a peer-led walking intervention at increasing physical activity in adolescent girls.

P03-03 The impact of regular physical education, physical activity and sport provision in second level schools on adolescent physical activity behaviours: A systematic literature review

BackgroundRegular engagement in physical activity (PA) is cited as a powerful predicter of future health among adolescents. International guidelines recommend sixty-minutes of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA daily for adolescents. Prevalence of physical inactivity is high among adolescents and is regarded as a leading risk factor for death worldwide, contributing to the onset of non-communicable diseases with just 20% of adolescents meeting the recommended PA guidelines. Physical inactivity cost $67.5 billion worldwide in 2013 and is estimated to reach over? 110 billion in 2030. Physical Education (PE) is recognized as playing an integral role in the promotion of PA and health. Despite the worldwide adoption of school PE, PA and sport policies to promote PA and health, paralleled with significant investment, a gap in the literature exists that synthesises the impact of school PE, PA and sport on adolescent PA behavioursMethodsWeb of Science, SPORTDiscus, PsychINFO, ERIC and MEDLINE were searched for articles that examined the impact of regular school PE, PA and sport provision on adolescent (12-18 years) published between 2000-2020.ResultsPreliminary results indicate n = 39 articles have met the inclusion criteria. Gender differences are observed on the impact of PE on daily Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) and overall daily PA. Studies that examined the impact of PE, PA and sport on adolescent PA behaviours outside of school are less frequent indicating a paucity of evidence in this research area.ConclusionSuch research is essential to synthesise a deeper understanding on whether current provision is impactful and/or requiring modification and thus will provide comprehensive evidence for 1) sustained financial investment; 2) modification of existing provision to potentiate positive impact and 3) reducing the international cost of physical inactivity. The central premise of this systematic literature review is that current provision is impactful and of enormous benefit.

Enjoyment Mediates Associations of the Physical and Family Environment With Adolescent Physical Activity: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the direct effects and mediating effect of physical activity (PA) enjoyment on the associations of the physical environment and family environment with adolescent PA behavior. MethodsParticipants were US high school students who participated in the National Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Study (N = 11,429; 49.4% female). The dependent variable was a latent variable from 3 survey items indicating adolescent PA behavior. One set of independent variables were items of the physical environment and a second set of independent variables were items of the family environment. A latent PA enjoyment mediating variable was constructed within a weighted structural equation model to examine the standardized direct and indirect effects (IEs) of the physical and family environment variables with adolescent PA controlling for demographic covariates. ResultsSignificant PA enjoyment mediating effects on adolescent PA were observed for the physical environment variables (IE range = 0.015–0.040) and adult transportation (IE = 0.013, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.006–0.020). The strongest direct effects were the associations between the family environment variables of adult PA encouragement (β = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.08–0.14), transportation (β = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.10–0.17), and watching (β = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.09–0.15) with adolescent PA. DiscussionStronger PA enjoyment mediating effects on adolescent PA were observed for variables of the physical environment compared to the family environment but the strongest direct effects on adolescent PA were observed for family environment variables. Interventions that provide equipment, improve neighborhood safety, and educate parents on how to support PA may both indirectly and directly improve adolescent PA.

Understanding Changes in Adolescent Physical Activity Behaviors and Cognitions Prior to and During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Despite accumulating evidence that has found significant negative declines in physical activity (PA) as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, little work has sought to understand how PA cognitions have changed during this period and in relation to behavior change during the pandemic. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the changes in adolescents' PA behaviors and cognitions associated with COVID-19 and prospective predictors of PA using the Multi-Process Action Control (M-PAC) framework. Adolescents were recruited from a large school board and a total of 588 participants (Mage = 15.87 ± 0.43 years, 60% female) completed data collection in both Fall 2019 and 2020—prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed self-reported measures of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), participation in organized activities, and variables derived from the M-PAC framework. Mixed effects models were computed to examine longitudinal changes in MVPA and cognitions as well as whether cognitions prior to COVID-19 predict MVPA during COVID-19. A generalized estimating equations model was computed to examine longitudinal changes for participation in organized activities. Findings indicated that MVPA (B = −56.41, p < 0.01) and participation in organized activities (OR = 0.33, p < 0.01) significantly decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Correspondingly, there were significant decreases in intentions (B = −0.34), identity (B = −0.19), and habit (B = −0.20), though there were increases in behavioral regulation (B = 0.18). No significant changes were found in affective attitudes, instrumental attitudes, perceived opportunity, and perceived capability. Among the baseline M-PAC cognitions, habit (B = 46.28) was the lone significant predictor of MVPA during COVID-19. Overall results suggest that adolescents' PA behaviors and cognitions were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, along with promising evidence that restrictions prompted adaptive utilization of behavioral regulation skills. Moreover, habit appears to play a salient role in predicting PA behaviors during uncertain times involving major life disruptions. These findings highlight the need to dedicate additional attention to PA promotion as COVID-19 moves toward an endemic phase, and that interventions targeting habit formation may be critical for helping adolescents better sustain healthy active lifestyles during major life changes.

Benefits of Motivational Interviewing on Adolescent Physical Activity: A Systematic Review

Research indicates that approximately 80% of adolescents do not meet the physical activity (PA) recommendations for Americans. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is one method researchers have examined to increase PA. This systematic review aimed to 1) explore the literature on the effects of MI on PA levels among adolescents and 2) report on the current state of the MI and adolescent PA literature for evidence and gaps. A modified Cochrane method of the systematic review was conducted within relevant databases (PsycInfo, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, SCI-EXPANDED, and SSCI). The lead author conducted an initial review of the titles and abstracts. The second review tier consisted of three authors independently conducting a full-text review of the remaining articles, discussing to a consensus whether to retain or reject each article based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Of the 392 articles initially identified, nine studies were retained in the review. Three of the nine studies found that MI had a statistically significant impact on PA behaviors in adolescents. Two studies found that MI significantly impacted Body Mass Index or body composition. Generalizations are limited due to heterogeneity. Despite this, results indicate that MI is a possible pathway to improve PA behavior in adolescents.

Qualitative views of Nigerian school principals and teachers on the barriers and opportunities for promoting students\u2019 physical activity behaviours within the school settings

BackgroundInsufficient physical activity (PA) is a growing public health challenge among Nigerian adolescents. Significant information gap exists on the school-related factors which influence the participation of adolescents in school-based physical activity programmes in Nigeria. This study was conducted to document the qualitative views of school principals and teachers on the barriers and opportunities for promoting the physical activity behaviours of adolescents within the school settings in light of the socio-ecological model.MethodsThis was a qualitative study conducted in 12 public and private schools in two local government areas of Oyo state, Nigeria. Two key sources and data collection methods (i.e key informant interviews and focus group discussions) were used. Six key informant interviews were held with school principals and six focus group discussions with classroom teachers using pre-tested guides. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsFourteen sub-themes were identified as barriers to PA and linked to different levels of the socio-ecological model. Three themes were categorised as parental factors, three themes as socio-cultural and religious factors while the school-related factors had eight sub-themes. Specifically, the school-related barriers were the declining number of trained physical health education teachers, limited opportunities for continuing education and low prioritisation of physical health education. Other school-related factors such as increasing demand for classroom academic time, negative attitudinal dispositions of other teachers and inadequate funding for schools which hampered the provision of facilities and equipment were identified as factors that limit the effective implementation of policies and programmes for physical activity in schools. Opportunities to promote PA within the school settings during assemblies, breaktime, after-school and inter-house sports competition exist. However, these opportunities are hampered by competing academic time, security threats, fear of causalities to students due to poor supervision after school, poor funding and brawling associated with competitive school-based sporting events.ConclusionsFactors that contribute to insufficient physical activity among in-school adolescents in the school settings are multi-factorial. Implementation of holistic, multi-component interventions which address the social-cultural and school-level factors and enhance students’ opportunities for physical activity in schools are recommended.

Perceived Autonomy Support from Peers, Parents, and Physical Education Teachers as Predictors of Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life among Adolescents—A One-Year Longitudinal Study

The current research adopts the trans-contextual model of motivation (TCM) to examine the role of perceived autonomy support from peers, parents, and physical education (PE) teachers on adolescents’ autonomous motivation, intentions, and physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) over a one-year period. Adolescents (N = 264) aged between 11 and 15 years (M = 13.24; SD = 0.96) filled in relevant questionnaires during a four-wave longitudinal study. Perceived autonomy support from peers, parents, and PE teachers predicted PA (β ≥ 0.03, p &lt; 0.009) and HRQoL (β ≥ 0.01, p &lt; 0.009) mediated by constructs of TCM over a one-year period. The regressions of PA (β = 0.45, p &lt; 0.001) and HRQoL (β = 0.56, p &lt; 0.001) on themselves over a one-year period were significant. PA significantly predicted the HRQoL measured one year later (β = 0.20, p &lt; 0.001), but not vice versa (β = 0.04, p = 0.52). The unidirectional cross-lagged relationship with the flow from PA to later HRQoL suggests that intervention programs focusing on promoting PA behaviour in adolescents should produce the most pronounced effects if their aim is also to promote HRQoL.

The Impact of Teachers’ Cultural Capital on Participation of Adolescents’ Students in Physical Activity and Sport

Background Effects of cultural capital related to the physical education teacher, which is an important person for adolescents at school, on physical activity behavior of students is not well understood. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of cultural capital related to the physical education teacher on participation of adolescents in physical activity and sport. Materials and Methods The present descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 384 students (192 boys and 192 girls) aged 12 to 15 years (mean age of 13.81±0.75 years) in grades first, second, and third from regular middle schools of Saqqez city, Kurdistan province, Iran, in 2019. The dependent variables were included perceived teachers’ cultural capital, intention to physical activity, and actual physical activity which were measured by researcher-made questionnaires. Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman test, and structural equation method by using Smart-PLS software were utilized to analyze data. ResultsResults of Mann-Whitney U tests revealed boys reported significantly higher cultural capital scores than girls. Moreover, cultural capital significantly influenced intention to physical activity and actual physical activity behavior of adolescents. In addition, intention to physical activity had significant impacts on actual physical activity behavior. Finally, intention to physical activity played a mediating role in the relationship between cultural capital and physical activity behavior of adolescents (all T>1.96). ConclusionsThese results indicate that social position of physical education teacher can be considered as an important social factor that affects the participation of adolescents in physical activity and sport.

Exploring the diet and physical activity behaviours of adolescents living in India and sub-Saharan Africa: a qualitative evidence synthesis.

To carry out a qualitative evidence synthesis to explore what influences the diet and physical activity of adolescents living in five countries that constitute the Transforming Adolescent Lives through Nutrition (TALENT) consortium (Cote D'Ivoire, Ethiopia, India, South Africa and The Gambia). A search of electronic databases was conducted for qualitative articles published between 2000 and 2019. Studies that explore influences on the diets and physical activity habits of adolescents aged 10-19 years. Of the twelve included studies, none were identified from The Gambia or Cote D'Ivoire. The existing qualitative literature focussed on three major areas in relation to adolescents' diet and physical activity: (1) the influence of body image and self-esteem; (2) social and environmental influences and (3) poverty. The limited existing literature focusses heavily on girls' experiences particularly in relation to body image and dysfunctional eating practices. In-depth research exploring adolescents' perceptions of diet and physical activity is needed to better understand how both boys and girls, at different stages of adolescence, perceive health, diet and physical activity. More research with young people is required especially in countries where little exists to cover a wider range of issues that play a role in diet and physical activity.

Imagine HEALTH: Randomized Controlled Trial of a Guided Imagery Lifestyle Intervention to Improve Obesity-Related Lifestyle Behaviors in Predominantly Latinx Adolescents.

Introduction: To determine the effects of a novel lifestyle intervention combining lifestyle behavioral education with the complementary-integrative health modality of guided imagery (GI) on dietary and physical activity behaviors in adolescents. The primary aim of this study was to determine the incremental effects of the lifestyle education, stress reduction GI (SRGI), and lifestyle behavior GI (LBGI) components of the intervention on the primary outcome of physical activity lifestyle behaviors (sedentary behavior, light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity), as well as dietary intake behaviors, at the completion of the 12-week intervention. The authors hypothesized that the intervention would improve obesity-related lifestyle behaviors. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and thirty-two adolescent participants (aged 14-17 years, sophomore or junior year of high school) were cluster randomized by school into one of four intervention arms: nonintervention Control (C), Lifestyle education (LS), SRGI, and LBGI. After-school intervention sessions were held two (LS) or three (SRGI, LBGI) times weekly for 12 weeks. Physical activity (accelerometry) and dietary intake (multiple diet recalls) outcomes were assessed pre- and postintervention. Primary analysis: intention-to-treat (ITT) mixed-effects modeling with diagonal covariance matrices; secondary analysis: ad hoc subgroup sensitivity analysis using only those participants adherent to protocol. Results: ITT analysis showed that the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) increased in the LS group compared with C (p = 0.02), but there was no additional effect of GI. Among adherent participants, sedentary behavior was decreased stepwise relative to C in SRGI (d = -0.73, p = 0.004) > LBGI (d = -0.59, p = 0.04) > LS (d = -0.41, p = 0.07), and moderate + vigorous physical activity was increased in SRGI (d = 0.58, p = 0.001). Among adherent participants, the HEI was increased in LS and SRGI, and glycemic index reduced in LBGI. Conclusions: While ITT analysis was negative, among adherent participants, the Imagine HEALTH lifestyle intervention improved eating habits, reduced sedentary activity, and increased physical activity, suggesting that GI may amplify the role of lifestyle education alone for some key outcomes. Clinical Trials.gov ID: NCT02088294.

A multi-method exploration into the social networks of young teenagers and their physical activity behavior

BackgroundThere is a need for novel interventions to target inadequate levels of adolescent physical activity behavior. Previous research indicates that better understanding of the processes by which social networks influence physical activity behavior in adolescents may be useful to enhance intervention design.MethodsThis study used a multi-methods approach to aid our understanding about the role of social networks for adolescent physical activity behavior. The quantitative phase of data collection was analyzed using a three-step linear regression model using cross-sectional data from the WiSe study (n = 529 participants, 48.6% female, mean age 14.38 years (SD 0.32)). A demographically reflective sub-sample of schools were invited to take part in the qualitative phase, which involved focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was used to explore findings from the quantitative phase in greater depth, and identify other themes pertaining to the association between social networks and physical activity behavior.ResultsMales’ physical activity behavior was predicted by their friend group (0.46, p = 0.007) whereas females’ physical activity was predicted by their best friend (0.21, p = 0.03). The three main findings that were uncovered by the regression analysis were explored during the qualitative phase: 1) friends have similar physical activity behaviors; 2) friendship social networks may influence differently early adolescent male and female physical activity behavior; 3) popularity and sociability were not associated with physical activity behavior. Two additional themes emerged from the analysis of focus group data: 4) social norms and 5) external factors that may impact the relationship between adolescent physical activity behavior and social networks.ConclusionsThe investigation of the interplay between the findings from each phase of the inquiry indicated that social networks influence in different ways and to different degrees the physical activity of adolescent males and females. In turn, these insights point to the need for a systematic tailoring process for the development and implementation of physical activity behavior interventions.

Effects of Attitude towards Fashion on Participation of Adolescent Students in Physical Activity: Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior

Background Consequences of fashion tendency on adolescents’ behaviors are not well documented. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of attitudes toward fashion on participation of adolescents’ students in physical activity and sport. We applied the theory of planned behavior as theoretical basis in the present study. Materials and Methods: The present descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 384 students (192 boys and 192 girls) aged 12 to 15 years (mean age of 13.81±0.75 years) in grades 1, 2, and 3 from regular middle schools of Saqqez city, Kurdistan province, Iran, in 2019. The dependent variables included attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, intention, and actual physical activity which were measured by standard questionnaires. Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman test, and structural equation method by using Smart-PLS software were utilized to analyze data. Results: Results of Mann-Whitney U tests revealed no significant differences between boys and girls in all research variables. There were significant relationships between the components of the theory of planned behavior (e.g., attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) regarding fashion with intention to physical activity and actual physical activity behavior in adolescents (all p 1.96). Conclusion People who tend to use fashion might consider sport and physical activity as a means to achieve good body fitness so that the clothes look more beautiful on their bodies.

Social Network Analysis in Child and Adolescent Physical Activity Research: A Systematic Literature Review

Regular physical activity (PA) has many benefits for children and adolescents, yet many do not meet PA recommendations. Social context is important for promoting or discouraging PA among children and adolescents. This review aimed to identify social network variables related to PA among children and adolescents. A systematic review of the literature was conducted in September 2018 using PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science. Included articles needed to (1)be focused on children (aged 5-11y) or adolescents (aged 12-17y), (2)include a measure of PA, (3)include a measure of egocentric or sociocentric social connection in which alters were nominated, and (4)perform an analysis between network data and PA. A search of 11,824 articles was refined to a final sample of 29 articles. Social network themes and concepts such as homophily, centrality, and network composition were related to child and adolescent PA behavior across the literature. The impact of an individual's social network is evident on their PA behaviors. More research is needed to examine why these networks form in relation to PA and how interventions can utilize social network analysis to more effectively promote PA, especially in underserved and minority populations.

Sociocultural Influences on Dietary Practices and Physical Activity Behaviors of Rural Adolescents-A Qualitative Exploration.

In the aftermath of nutrition transition and ever-increasing sedentarism, adolescents globally are exposed to negative health consequences. Diverse sociocultural influences play a critical role in their adoption of unhealthy dietary practices and suboptimal physical activity behaviors. Context-specific understandings of how these sociocultural influences shape adolescents’ dietary and physical activity patterns in a rural, resource-limited setting remained elusive. Aiming to address the gap, this qualitative study explored adolescents’ and mothers’ perception of broader sociocultural aspects that sculpt the food choices, eating habits and physical activity behaviors of adolescents in Matlab, Bangladesh. Six digitally-recorded focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim, translated into English and analyzed thematically. Marked taste-driven dietary preference of adolescents and its prioritization within family by the mothers, popularity of street foods, better understanding of the importance of food hygiene and safety contrasting with narrow perception of balance and diversity in diet, peer influence along with deficient school and community food environment, internalization and rigidity of gender norms were found to be exerting major influence. The findings highlighted key targets for community-based nutrition interventions and endorsed thorough consideration of socio-cultural factors in formulating strategies to promote healthful eating and physical activity behaviors among the adolescents.

Parental and peer social support is associated with healthier physical activity behaviors in adolescents: a cross-sectional analysis of Texas School Physical Activity and Nutrition (TX SPAN) data

BackgroundParental and peer support can influence children’s physical activity; however, these associations have not been fully examined in a multi-ethnic population across early and late adolescence. The objective of this study was to examine associations between perceived parental/peer social support, perceived parental disapproval for not exercising, and physical activity/screen time behaviors among a multi-ethnic sample of adolescents.MethodsThe Texas School Physical Activity and Nutrition (TX SPAN) survey is a cross-sectional statewide probability-based survey, used to assess obesity-related behaviors such as diet and physical activity. The SPAN 2009–2011 study measured 8th and 11th grade students using a self-report questionnaire with established psychometric properties, along with objectively measured height and weight. Associations were examined using multiple logistic and linear regression.ResultsFor every 1-point increase in parental physical activity support, adolescents had 1.14 higher odds of engaging in five or more days of moderate physical activity per week (p < 0.001), and 1.12 higher odds of engaging in three or more days of vigorous physical activity per week (p < 0.001). For every 1-point increase in peer physical activity support, adolescents had 1.17 higher odds of engaging in five or more days of moderate physical activity per week (p < 0.001), and 1.15 higher odds of engaging in three or more days of vigorous physical activity per week (p < 0.001).ConclusionsParental and peer social support is associated with positive physical activity behaviors in adolescents. Strategies to focus on parent and peer support should be integral to intervention programs designed to increase physical activity in adolescents in middle and high schools.