Factors associated with physical inactivity among female and male rural adolescents in Borneo – a cross-sectional study
Rural communities have shown marked increase in metabolic syndrome among young people, with physical inactivity as one of the main contributing factors. This study aimed to determine factors associated with physical inactivity among male and female rural adolescents in a sample of schools in Malaysi...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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de Gruyter
2014
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| Online Access: | http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/11120/ http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/11120/1/IR24.pdf |
| _version_ | 1848836940728631296 |
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| author | Cheah, W.L Helmy, Hazmi Chang, C.T |
| author_facet | Cheah, W.L Helmy, Hazmi Chang, C.T |
| author_sort | Cheah, W.L |
| building | UNIMAS Institutional Repository |
| collection | Online Access |
| description | Rural communities have shown marked increase in metabolic syndrome among young people, with physical inactivity as one of the main contributing factors. This study aimed to determine factors associated with physical inactivity among male and female rural adolescents in a sample of schools in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 145 students aged 13 – 15 years. Data on socio-demographic, health-related, and psychosocial factors (perceived barriers, self-efficacy, social influences) were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurement was taken to generate body mass index (BMI)-for-age, while physical activity (PA) level was assessed using pedometers. The mean steps per day was 6251.37 (SD = 3085.31) with males reported as being more active. About 27% of the respondents were either overweight or obese, with more females in this group. There was no significant ifference
in steps among males and females (p = 0.212), and nutritional status (BMI-for-age) (p = 0.439). Females consistently scored higher in most items under perceived barriers, but had significantly lower scores in self-efficacy ’ s items. Males were more influenced by peers in terms of PA (p < 0.001) and were more satisfied with their body parts (p = 0.047). A significantly higher body size discrepancy score was found among females (p = 0.034, CI – 0.639, – 0.026). PA level was low and almost one-third of the respondents were overweight and obese. Female students faced more barriers and had lower self-efficacy with regards PA. Based on the findings, it is recommended that interventions focus on reducing barriers while increasing support for PA. This is particularly important in improving the health status of the youth, especially among the females. |
| first_indexed | 2025-11-15T06:31:45Z |
| format | Article |
| id | unimas-11120 |
| institution | Universiti Malaysia Sarawak |
| institution_category | Local University |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2025-11-15T06:31:45Z |
| publishDate | 2014 |
| publisher | de Gruyter |
| recordtype | eprints |
| repository_type | Digital Repository |
| spelling | unimas-111202016-03-29T00:56:58Z http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/11120/ Factors associated with physical inactivity among female and male rural adolescents in Borneo – a cross-sectional study Cheah, W.L Helmy, Hazmi Chang, C.T RA Public aspects of medicine RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine Rural communities have shown marked increase in metabolic syndrome among young people, with physical inactivity as one of the main contributing factors. This study aimed to determine factors associated with physical inactivity among male and female rural adolescents in a sample of schools in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 145 students aged 13 – 15 years. Data on socio-demographic, health-related, and psychosocial factors (perceived barriers, self-efficacy, social influences) were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurement was taken to generate body mass index (BMI)-for-age, while physical activity (PA) level was assessed using pedometers. The mean steps per day was 6251.37 (SD = 3085.31) with males reported as being more active. About 27% of the respondents were either overweight or obese, with more females in this group. There was no significant ifference in steps among males and females (p = 0.212), and nutritional status (BMI-for-age) (p = 0.439). Females consistently scored higher in most items under perceived barriers, but had significantly lower scores in self-efficacy ’ s items. Males were more influenced by peers in terms of PA (p < 0.001) and were more satisfied with their body parts (p = 0.047). A significantly higher body size discrepancy score was found among females (p = 0.034, CI – 0.639, – 0.026). PA level was low and almost one-third of the respondents were overweight and obese. Female students faced more barriers and had lower self-efficacy with regards PA. Based on the findings, it is recommended that interventions focus on reducing barriers while increasing support for PA. This is particularly important in improving the health status of the youth, especially among the females. de Gruyter 2014 Article PeerReviewed text en http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/11120/1/IR24.pdf Cheah, W.L and Helmy, Hazmi and Chang, C.T (2014) Factors associated with physical inactivity among female and male rural adolescents in Borneo – a cross-sectional study. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 26 (3). pp. 447-453. ISSN 2191-0278 http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/ijamh DOI 10.1515/ijamh-2013-0319 |
| spellingShingle | RA Public aspects of medicine RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine Cheah, W.L Helmy, Hazmi Chang, C.T Factors associated with physical inactivity among female and male rural adolescents in Borneo – a cross-sectional study |
| title | Factors associated with physical inactivity among
female and male rural adolescents in Borneo – a
cross-sectional study |
| title_full | Factors associated with physical inactivity among
female and male rural adolescents in Borneo – a
cross-sectional study |
| title_fullStr | Factors associated with physical inactivity among
female and male rural adolescents in Borneo – a
cross-sectional study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Factors associated with physical inactivity among
female and male rural adolescents in Borneo – a
cross-sectional study |
| title_short | Factors associated with physical inactivity among
female and male rural adolescents in Borneo – a
cross-sectional study |
| title_sort | factors associated with physical inactivity among
female and male rural adolescents in borneo – a
cross-sectional study |
| topic | RA Public aspects of medicine RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine |
| url | http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/11120/ http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/11120/ http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/11120/ http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/11120/1/IR24.pdf |