Determinants of physical activity in Singaporean adolescents.
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.


OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Lee
Kok Sonk
KS
School of Human Movement Studies, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia. LEE_Kok_Sonk@moe.gov.sg
Loprinzi
Paul D
PD
Trost
Stewart G
SG
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D044466:Asian People; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D012494:Sampling Studies; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012846:Singapore; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires