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Determinants of Physical Activity in Singaporean Adolescents

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Abstract

Background

An understanding of the factors that influence physical activity behavior is an important prerequisite for the design and implementation of physical activity interventions in adolescents. To date, no studies have investigated the factors that influence physical activity participation in Singaporean adolescents.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify the psychosocial and environmental factors that influence physical activity in a representative sample of Singaporean adolescents (N = 1,814, 919 boys, 895 girls, mean age 14.4 ± 1.1 years).

Methods

Participants completed the Three-Day Physical Activity Recall and a questionnaire measuring hypothesized psychosocial and environmental correlates of physical activity.

Results

Hierarchical regression revealed self-efficacy, enjoyment of physical activity, parental support, and participation in sport teams to be significant correlates of physical activity.

Conclusion

Interventions promoting physical activity in Singaporean adolescents should aim to increase self-efficacy perceptions by offering enjoyable, developmentally appropriate physical activity options that promote mastery and adopt policies that increase parental support and awareness of community physical activity programs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Human Movement Studies, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia

    Kok Sonk Lee

  2. Department of Nutrition and Exercise Sciences, Oregon State University, 203D Women’s Building, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA

    Paul D. Loprinzi & Stewart G. Trost

Authors
  1. Kok Sonk Lee
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  2. Paul D. Loprinzi
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  3. Stewart G. Trost
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Stewart G. Trost.

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Lee, K.S., Loprinzi, P.D. & Trost, S.G. Determinants of Physical Activity in Singaporean Adolescents. Int.J. Behav. Med. 17, 279–286 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-009-9060-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-009-9060-6

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