Level, motivation and barriers to participate in physical activity among late adolescents in Puducherry

Abstract

Abstract Background One in every ten deaths globally is accounted for by physical inactivity-related risks. Adolescents constitute 18% of the world’s total population and are at risk of becoming physically inactive in the future. Thus, this study aims to find the level of physical activity (PA) among late adolescents and factors that motivate and prevent them from being active. Methodology Four hundred and fifty adolescents in the age group of 18–19 years were included in the study. Standardized self-administered questionnaires such as the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire were used to assess the level of PA and level of motivation, respectively. In addition, barriers to participating in PA were also elicited. Results This study found that about one third of the subjects (32.4%) were physically inactive. The motivation levels were more pooled towards the self-determined motives and girls are more motivated towards PA than boys. However, PA among males is significantly higher than females. Healthy practices in families was also found to have significant association with increased PA. The major barriers found were the excessive use of electronic gadgets and lethargy. Conclusion One third of the adolescents in this study were physically inactive and several barriers that prevent them from taking up PA were elicited. Therefore, efforts should be taken to emphasize the importance of physical activity among individuals, family members and the peers at institutional level and community level so as to lay foundations for healthy lifestyles in the future. Basic prevention in the emergence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like PA is vital to curb the growing burden of chronic diseases in our country.