Factors that influence participation in physical activity in Chinese teenagers: perspective of school educators and parents in respect of the social ecology model

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this study was to explore the viewpoints of parents, teachers, and administrators on the factors influencing adolescent physical activity in China. Methods: The study employed semi-structured interviews with school teachers, school principals, government officers, and parents. Twenty-five participants were recruited from Jiangsu Province, China, and completed the interview. Results: The data collected were analysed using grounded theory within the social ecology model framework. The analysis identified 49 concepts across 19 subcategories and five main categories. Discussion: The resulting theoretical model, constructed using grounded theory, integrated five main categories: individual factors, family environment, school environment, community environment, and policy. This model provides a foundational understanding of the multifaceted influencing factors of adolescent physical activity in China.