Determinants of Physical Activity among Middle School Girl Students in Iran Based on Social Cognitive Theory in 2018

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity is one of the most fundamental health promoting behaviors influenced by behavioral, environmental and individual determinants. The present study was conducted to determine the factors affecting physical activity among middle school girl students based on social cognitive theory in Rafsanjan city in 2018. The present cross-sectional study was carried out among 325 middle school girl students through multi-stage sampling; required data was collected using a questionnaire containing three sections of demographic characteristics, standard questionnaire of physical activity assessment during the last week and a questionnaire based on the constructs of cognitive social theory; questionnaires were completed through self-report and analyzed at the significance level of 0/05 by SPSS-16 using relevant statistical tests. The mean daily physical activity of students was 24.14 ± 26.42 minutes. Spearman correlation test showed a positive and significant relationship between daily physical activity of students with environmental factors, knowledge, behavioral skills, outcome expectation, outcome value, family support, friends support and self-efficacy of students (P<0.05). Self-efficacy was the strongest predictor of behavior among the structures of the theory. Considering the unfavorable state of physical activity and the results of research, it is highly recommended to design, implement and evaluate interventions based on social cognitive theory in different target groups affecting adolescents (family and friends) in order to increase the physical activity of girl students.