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Factors Influencing Saudi Youth Physical Activity Participation: A Qualitative Study Based on the Social Ecological Model

Author

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  • Anwar Al-Nuaim

    (Physical Education Department, Education College, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia)

  • Ayazullah Safi

    (Department of Public Health, Centre for Life and Sport Science (C-LaSS), Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK)

Abstract

Background: The growing improvement in urbanisation, modes of transportation and the expansion of sedentary behaviour, both at work and home, have resulted in declining rates of physical activity (PA) worldwide. Nearly one-third of the global population aged 15 and over are insufficiently active. The negative effect of physical inactivity has been evidenced and ranked fourth as the lethal cause of death globally. Therefore, the aim of this research was to explore the factors influencing PA participation among youths from different geographical locations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: Sixteen focus groups (males = 8 and females = 8) were conducted with a total of 120 secondary school students (male = 63 and female = 57) aged between 15 and 19 years. The focus groups were analysed to identify key themes through the process of thematic analysis. Results: Results from the focus groups indicated that a lack of time, safety, parental support, policies, access to sport and PA facilities, and transportation, as well as climate were reported as barriers to PA participation. Discussion and conclusion: The current research contributes to the scarce literature focused on the multidimensional effects on Saudi youth PA behaviour from different geographical locations. This qualitative approach has provided the participants a voice, and the overall study offers valuable evidence as well as invaluable information to policymakers, public health departments, and local authorities for PA intervention based on the environment and the community.

Suggested Citation

  • Anwar Al-Nuaim & Ayazullah Safi, 2023. "Factors Influencing Saudi Youth Physical Activity Participation: A Qualitative Study Based on the Social Ecological Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(10), pages 1-15, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:10:p:5785-:d:1144135
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Atika Khalaf & Örjan Ekblom & Jan Kowalski & Vanja Berggren & Albert Westergren & Hazzaa Al-Hazzaa, 2013. "Female University Students’ Physical Activity Levels and Associated Factors—A Cross-Sectional Study in Southwestern Saudi Arabia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-16, August.
    2. Anwar Al-Nuaim & Ayazullah Safi, 2022. "The Correlation of Built Environment on Hypertension, and Weight Status amongst Adolescence in Saudi Arabia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-11, December.
    3. Packham, Analisa & Street, Brittany, 2019. "The effects of physical education on student fitness, achievement, and behavior," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 1-18.
    4. Pasi Koski & Mirja Hirvensalo & Jari Villberg & Sami Kokko, 2022. "Young People in the Social World of Physical Activities: Meanings and Barriers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-13, April.
    5. Ayazullah Safi & Matthew Cole & Adam L. Kelly & Mohammed Gulrez Zariwala & Natalie C. Walker, 2022. "Workplace Physical Activity Barriers and Facilitators: A Qualitative Study Based on Employees Physical Activity Levels," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-16, August.
    6. Trias Mahmudiono & Calista Segalita & Richard R. Rosenkranz, 2019. "Socio-Ecological Model of Correlates of Double Burden of Malnutrition in Developing Countries: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-23, October.
    7. Donglin Hu & Shi Zhou & Zachary J. Crowley-McHattan & Zhiyun Liu, 2021. "Factors That Influence Participation in Physical Activity in School-Aged Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review from the Social Ecological Model Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-22, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zisis Kozlakidis, 2023. "Promoting Health for Adolescents: An Editorial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(14), pages 1-4, July.

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