Abstract:
Using structural equation modeling (SEM), the current study aims to explore factors influencing Chinese adolescents' in-school physical activity (PA) levels from social ecological perspective.The relationship among various factors originating from sections of individual, interpersonal, and organization will be examined.
Methods The participants include 2 942 students from six different grades who are attending schools located in 7 different geographic areas of mainland China.Validated instruments are used to measure participants' in-school moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), self-efficacy, PA enjoyment, PA benefits/barriers, family/peer PA support, and school environment.
Results It reveals that school environment, peer support, and self-efficacy directly influenced students' in-school MVPA.Findings also show that PA enjoyment, PA benefits/barriers, and family PA support only indirectly influenced in-school MVPA through the inside section or the self-efficacy factor from the same section.
Conclusion Social ecological factors from different sections directly or indirectly influence adolescents' in-school PA.The multi-section and multi-system intervention within the social ecological system is an effective way to improve adolescents' in-school PA levels.