CORRELATES OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN ASIAN ADOLESCENTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW
ABSTRACT: Physical activity is
important to prevent several chronic diseases in adulthood. Nowadays, young
people do not regularly perform physical activity. Several factors may
influence their decision. Most of studies were conducted in western countries.
However the findings might not be generalized regarding the differences in
culture and social condition. Therefore, reviewing the correlates of physical
activity among adolescents in Asian countries is essential. Purpose: To update
the state of knowledge on factors associated with adolescents’ physical
activity in Asian countries. Methods: Literature review on existing articles
retrieved from electronic databases was conducted. The review on factors of
physical activity was set based on the setting of study, adolescents as
participants of the study and the year of publication ranged from 2002-2011.
Result: The findings compiled the evidence of relationships between physical
activity and several influencing factors. Intrapersonal factors age, gender,
socioeconomic status, parental education, and perceptions related to physical
activity- perceived self efficacy, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers),
interpersonal factors (family and peer influences) and extra-personal factors
(school policy and living arrangement) were identified. Self efficacy was
manifested as the strongest influencing factor in most studies. This review
highlighted the cultural issues on physical activities of adolescents in Asian
countries. Conclusion: This paper provided comprehensive knowledge related to
factors influencing physical activity in Asian adolescents. The issue of
cultural sensitivity should be considered in the future intervention program
designed to improve physical activity of adolescents.
Author: Husna Hidayati, Urai
Hatthakit, Sang-Arun Isaramalai
Journal Code: jpkeperawatangg120017
