Exploration on the Malaysian adolescents’ understanding towards concepts of physical activity, perceived facilitators and barriers in practising an active lifestyle
ISSN: 0007-070X
Article publication date: 24 June 2020
Issue publication date: 5 October 2020
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to explore the understanding of Malaysian adolescents towards concept of physical activity (PA) and their perceived facilitators and barriers in practising an active lifestyle.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a quota sampling method, a total of 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) were performed at two secondary schools, which were randomly selected in Selangor. This study involved 72 adolescents (males = 51.4%, females = 48.6%) aged 13–14 years. Based on ethnicity, there was an equal number of Malay, Chinese and Indian participants (n = 24, 33.3%). For analysing the outcome from the FGDs, thematic analysis was applied.
Findings
The adolescents perceived exercise and PA as structured games. They perceived that exercise could have positive effects on the body, appearance and health, and PA as a daily routine. Common differences between exercise and PA were based on frequency, intensity, energy and venue. Perceived facilitators in practising an active lifestyle include concern about body or health, have companions, familial or peer influence, availability of facilities in the neighbourhood and have scheduled time for exercise. Time constraint, no motivation, physically unwell or tired, no companion, security issue at playground or exercise facilities or venue, and weather were mentioned as barriers in practising an active lifestyle.
Originality/value
This study contributed to an improved understanding of the adolescents’ concept of PA, as well as their perceived facilitators and barriers in practising an active lifestyle. The study suggested that health intervention should embrace a way of promoting the immediate advantages of practicing an active lifestyle in order to reinforce the importance of an active lifestyle among adolescents. Furthermore, future intervention should emphasise on educating the adolescents on ways to cope with environmental barriers when practicing an active lifestyle.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study was funded by the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia under the Exploratory Research Grant Scheme (ERGS) (Grant number: 5527042). The funding body has no role in designing the study, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data and in writing the manuscript. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest pertaining to this study. The authors would like to thank all research assistants for the assistance in the study. The authors sincerely thank the schools, teachers and students who participated in this study. We are also grateful for the support and cooperation received from the Department of Education of Selangor and the Ministry of Education of Malaysia.
Citation
Sharif Ishak, S.I.Z., Chin, Y.S., Mohd Taib, M.N. and Mohd Shariff, Z. (2020), "Exploration on the Malaysian adolescents’ understanding towards concepts of physical activity, perceived facilitators and barriers in practising an active lifestyle", British Food Journal, Vol. 122 No. 10, pp. 3151-3164. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-01-2020-0049
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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