Social Cognitive and Ecological Factors Influence Physical Activity Among Thai Adolescents

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the intrapersonal, social, and physical environmental factors associated with physical activity (PA) practice in Thai adolescents. Methods: A total of 5536 adolescents aged 14-17 years participated in the survey. Confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation modeling were conducted to determine associations between intrapersonal, social, and physical environmental factors with PA. Results: The mean age of participants was 15.50 (1.12) years. Community environment had an overall effect on PA (β = 0.08). Perceived family support had direct (β = -0.14) and indirect (β = 0.17) effects on PA through perceived barriers (β = 0.14). Perceived barriers were directly related to PA (β = -0.23) and indirectly (β = -0.16) related to PA through self-efficacy (β = -0.14) and through perceived benefits and self-efficacy (β = -0.02). Perceived usefulness was indirectly related to PA through self-efficacy (β = 0.07). Self-efficacy was directly related to PA (β = 0.43). Girls were more likely to report more perceived barriers (βtotal = 0.13). The model explained 45% of the variance in PA. Conclusion: Self-efficacy and perceived barriers are important intrapersonal factors, whereas perceived family support is an important interpersonal factor for PA among Thai adolescents. © 2022 Human Kinetics Publishers Inc.. All rights reserved.