Physical Activity Of Chinese Adolescents Research Articles

Psychometric property and measurement invariance of perceived benefits and barriers of physical activity in Chinese adolescents

BackgroundThe perceived benefits and barriers to physical activity play crucial roles in determining daily physical activity levels. However, previous studies have employed tools lacking adequate validation, leading to inconsistent conclusions about the impact of these two factors. Therefore, this national, population-based study was conducted to assess the psychometric properties, measurement invariance, and predictive validity of the Chinese versions of the perceived benefits (C-PBEPA) and barriers to physical activity (C-PBAPA) scales. MethodsThe final sample (N = 2942, 49.3 % for boys) was randomly split into two subsamples. The first subsample was used for exploratory factor analysis and the second subsample was used for confirmatory factor analysis. Measurement invariance across gender and age groups were examined. Structural equation models were developed to examine the predictive validity of the revised C-PBEPA and C-PBAPA on moderate to vigorous PA. ResultsThe results showed that both scales were unidimensional, had excellent model fit (e.g., X2/df < 3, CFI >0.9, RMSEA <0.06) and demonstrated convergent validity. Findings also revealed lack of scalar invariance for C-PBAPA between preadolescents and adolescents’ groups (ΔCFI >0.01) and supported the predictive validity of both scales (p < 0.001). ConclusionThe study demonstrated that the revised C-PBEPA and C-PBAPA are valid scales for measuring Chinese adolescents’ perceived benefits and barriers to PA.

Clustering effects of health risk behavior on mental health and physical activity in Chinese adolescents

PurposeRisk behaviors are significantly impacting physical and psychological health among adolescents, resulting in a tremendous public health issue. The aim of this study is to examine the association of clustered risk behaviors with mental health and physical activity, and identify to what extent the clustering of various risk behaviors is associated with psychological health and physical activity in Chinese adolescents.MethodsStudents aged 16–18 years, male 16.2 ± 1.03, female 16.3 ± 1.56, were recruited from 30 high schools to complete an online questionnaire in fall semester 2017. A structured questionnaire, 2017 state and local youth risk behavior survey was revised, modified, and translated into Chinese. Five questions were designed to assess physical activity times of the last 7 days. Symptom checklist 90 (SCL-90) was used to investigate the mental health status of the participants. Statistical analyses were done employing chi-square tests, two step cluster analysis, logistic regression.ResultResults illustrate that girls report a significantly higher mean of being bullied in school, electronically bullied, feeling sad or hopeless, and trying cigarette smoking. Two-step cluster analysis and regression analysis find that alcohol use, smoking and sedentary behavior have significant effect on adolescent health. Logic regression demonstrated that risk behaviors have significantly associated with mental health and physical activity in specific cluster.ConclusionThis study finds that a specific behavior cluster has significant impact on mental health and physical activity among adolescents. Integrating risk behaviors cluster with factors can be employed to target high-risk adolescents who have poor physical and psychosocial health. The research suggest that more effective and feasible school intervention programs can be designed to promote adolescent health-related behavior in terms of those pathways.

Effectiveness Ofhealth Risk Behavioron Physical Activity And Mental Health In Chinese Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study

PURPOSE: Risky behaviors have significantly impacted on youth physical and psychological health among adolescents, which can result in a tremendous public health issue. The purpose of this study is to exam the association clustering of risk behaviors with physical activity and mental health and identify what extent the clustering of various risk behaviors is associated with psychological health and physical activity in Chinese adolescent. METHODS: Participants were randomly chosen from 30 high school of 10 regions that consisted of 4630 students, male 2199 (47.5%), female 2431(52.5%), aged 16-18 years, male 16.2±1.03, femal16.3±1.56. A structured questionnaire was developed to be based on 2017 State and Local Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which was revised, modified, translated into Chinese. Reliability of questionnaire was analyzed by Cronbach’s alpha (α=0.72). Construct validity was evaluated by factor analysis after the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO=0.81) and Bartlett test (χ2 =2.2, p =0.00) had been performed. Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) was used to investigate the mental health status for Chinese adolescent. RESULTS: Two-step cluster analysis (TCA) identified four clusters in risk behaviors that details are presented. Logistic regression demonstrated the relationship between risk behaviors and mental health based on the different clustering. In somatization, compared with cluster1 in factor1, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were 0.97(0.83-1.13), 1.01(0.91-1.11) and 0.99(0.85-1.16) for cluster 2, cluster 3, cluster 4, respectively. In the hostility, compared with cluster 3 in factor 5, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were1.16(1.00-1.33), 1.12(0.98-1.29), 1.06(0.90-1.24) for clusters 1, 2 and 4. The result found that physical activity affects significantly sedentary behavior and screen time and bully behavior. CONCLUSION: This study found that the specific cluster behaviors influence significantly on mental health and physical activity among Chinese adolescents. This study suggest that more effective and feasible clustering-based intervention programs may be designed to prevent adolescent risk behaviors and mental health.

The Influence of Social Support on Physical Activity in Chinese Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Exercise Self-Efficacy.

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of social support and self-efficacy with physical Activity (PA) and the mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between social support and PA in Chinese adolescents. Participants included a total of 2341 Chinese adolescents (aged 12.75 ± 1.46 years). Self-reported instruments, including the physical activity questionnaire for adolescents, the social support revalued scale and the exercise self-efficacy scale, were used to measure physical activity, social support and exercise self-efficacy. Results showed that social support (r = 0.29, p < 0.05) and exercise self-efficacy (r = 0.43, p < 0.05) were significant and positive predictors of PA among Chinese adolescents, and exercise self-efficacy was a significant mediator in the relationship between social support and PA (standardized effect size = 0.15, p < 0.001). Such findings were evident with similar patterns in both male and female adolescents. The findings of this study have indicated the importance of social support and exercise self-efficacy on PA promotion in adolescents, which will aid the development of effective interventions in this population.

Using the self-determination theory to understand Chinese adolescent leisure-time physical activity

Purposes: This study applies the self-determination theory (SDT) to test the hypothesized relationships among perceived autonomy support from parents, physical education (PE) teachers, and peers, the fulfilment of psychological needs (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness), autonomous motivation, and leisure-time physical activity of Chinese adolescents. Method: There are 255 grade six to eight student participants from four middle schools around Shanghai, China included in this study. An accelerometer was used to measure the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The participants completed the questionnaires regarding SDT variables. The structural equation modelling was applied to examine the hypothesized relationships among the study variables. Results: The model of hypothesized relationships demonstrated a good fit with the data [X2 = 20.84, df = 9, P = .01; CFI = 0.98; IFI = 0.98; SRMR = 0.04; RMSEA = 0.05]. The findings revealed that autonomy support from parents, PE teachers, and peers foster social conditions in which the three basic psychological needs can be met. In turn, autonomy, competence, and relatedness are positively associated with autonomous motivation for MVPA. The autonomous motivation positively relates to the MVPA time of adolescents. The three psychological needs partially mediate the influence of autonomy support from parents (β = 0.18, P < .01; Bootstrap 95% CI = 0.06–0.33) and teachers (β = 0.17, P < .01; Bootstrap 95% CI = 0.03–0.26) in the autonomous motivation. Conclusion: In conclusion, these findings support the applicability of SDT in understanding and promoting physical activity of Chinese adolescents.

Association between Family Structure and Physical Activity of Chinese Adolescents.

Background. This study examines the association between family structure and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of adolescents in China. Methods. The participants included 612 adolescents (317 boys and 295 girls) from Shanghai with ages ranging from 10 to 16 years. Accelerometers were used to measure the duration of MVPA of adolescents, and questionnaires on family structure were completed by the parents of these adolescents. Results. Findings suggested that family structure significantly increased the likelihood of adolescents engaging in physical activity (PA) and explained 6% of MPVA variance. Adolescents living in single-parent households and step families were more physically active than those living in two-parent homes and with biological parents, respectively. However, adolescents residing with grandparents were less active than those living with neither grandparent. No significant difference was found in MVPA time between adolescents living with one sibling and those without siblings. Conclusion. Family environment may be considered in the development of PA interventions and policies, and adolescents living with their grandparents may be targeted in PA promotion.

An extended version of the theory of planned behaviour: the role of self-efficacy and past behaviour in predicting the physical activity of Chinese adolescents

This study aimed to use an extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB), which incorporated additional self-efficacy and past behaviour, to predict the intention to engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and the MVPA level of Chinese adolescents. Questionnaires that focused on MVPA, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control (PBC), self-efficacy and past behaviour related to the MVPA engagement were administered to a sample of 488 young people. Multiple regression analyses provided moderate support for TPB. Three TPB constructs predicted 28.7% of the variance in intentions to engage in MVPA, and that PBC, but not intention, explained 3.4% of the variance in MVPA. Self-efficacy significantly affected intention and behaviour over and above the influence of TPB. Past behaviour had a small but significant improvement in the prediction of intention, but no improvement in the prediction of MVPA. Based on the results, interventions should target adolescent self-efficacy and PBC in physical activity participation.

Planning Skills Moderate the Intention–Planning Cognitions–Behaviour Relation: A Longitudinal Study on Physical Activity in Chinese Adolescents

Our objective is to examine the role of planning skills for translating intentions into physical activity via planning cognitions. A study with 534 adolescents was conducted. Over 4 weeks, intention, planning cognitions (prospective anticipation of when, where, and how to perform activities), planning skills (successful past planning experiences), and physical activity were assessed. The results were that skills correlated with intention, planning cognitions, and subsequent physical activity. Planning cognitions were found to mediate the intention–behavior relation, whereas skills moderated the mediating role of planning cognitions: If students reported high skills, they were more likely to translate their intentions into plans and behavior. We conclude that having more skills makes it more likely that adolescents successfully translate their intentions into plans. Promotion of physical activity should improve planning cognitions but also planning skills. Only with planning cognitions and skills might adolescents better be able to act in accordance with their intentions and perform physical activity.

Prevalence of exercise and non-exercise physical activity in Chinese adolescents

Non-exercise physical activity (NEPA) is an important part of energy expenditure. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of exercise and NEPA among adolescents. In the HKSOS project 2006-2007, the proportions of Hong Kong Chinese adolescents (N = 32,005) achieving 60-minute exercise and 60-minute NEPA per day were analyzed. Exercise was defined as structured and planned physical activities, and NEPA was defined as unstructured and unplanned physical activities including walking for transportation and climbing stairs. The prevalence of exercise was higher in boys than girls (after school: 63.8% vs 39.6%; holidays: 78.7% vs 60.0%), but the prevalence of NEPA in boys was similar to that in girls (after school: 72.2% vs 68.0%; holidays: 80.3% vs 79.4%). In general, the prevalence of both exercise and NEPA decreased with age in boys and girls, but was more marked for exercise than NEPA. In conclusion, the prevalence of exercise was lower in adolescent girls than boys, and decreased more rapidly with age than NEPA. NEPA seems to be easier to accumulate than exercise among adolescents regardless of sex and age.

Stage-Matched Minimal Interventions to Enhance Physical Activity in Chinese Adolescents

Interventions to improve physical activity (PA) might be successful when treatments are matched to the requirements of the recipients, in particular to their stage of change. This intervention study examines PA in Chinese high school students whose stage of change at the beginning of the study was identified. Two minimal interventions (1 hour) were provided: resource communication and strategic planning. We assumed that preintenders would benefit in terms of PA frequency mainly from resource communication, and intenders would benefit from planning. Adolescents were assigned to an experimental and a control group. Moreover, they were divided according to stage (preintender, intender, actor). In the experimental group, each stage group received interventions. The data were analyzed with repeated measures analyses of variance (N = 534). Stage groups and treatment (resource communication, planning, and controls) were chosen as between-subjects factors. PA frequency was the dependent variable measured at two points in time 4 weeks apart (pre-post measures). Preintenders in the resource communication condition improved their activity levels, whereas intenders increased their PA not only in the planning but also in resource communication conditions. Actors maintained their activity independently of the treatment they received, which was in line with the hypotheses. Matching PA interventions for adolescents to at least two stages of change might be a promising approach. Those who are not motivated to exercise benefit from resource-based messages, whereas those who have behavioral intentions benefit from planning.

Factors Associated with Adolescents' Physical Inactivity in Xi'an City, China

To explore the sociodemographic and environmental factors at community, school, and household levels associated with physical inactivity. In a cross-sectional study in 2004, physical activity level was assessed using a validated questionnaire in 1787 students. Physical inactivity was defined as less than 150 min.wk of moderate activity (4-6 METs) or less than 60 min.wk of vigorous activity (> 6 METs). Sociodemographic and environmental information was recorded on self-administered questionnaires. Hierarchical multiple logistic models were developed based on a conceptual framework of factors related to physical activity. Overall, girls were twice as likely to be inactive. Adolescents aged 14 yr were 30% less likely to be inactive compared with those younger than 13 yr (95% CI: 0.5-0.9). Paternal education was inversely associated with inactivity (OR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-0.9). Adolescents living in neighborhoods without sidewalks were 1.3 times more likely to be inactive (95% CI: 1.0-1.6). At the school level, lack of extracurricular exercise (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1-1.6) and fewer sports meetings (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.4-2.9) were associated with physical inactivity. Difficult access to community recreational facilities (moderate OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0-1.9; difficult OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2-2.4) and concerns about safety in the neighborhood (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1-4.1) were associated with inactivity. There were some differences associated with physical inactivity between boys and girls. Strategies to promote physical activity in Chinese adolescents should integrate associated factors at household, school, and community levels and address the important gender differences in factors associated with physical inactivity in youth.