Investigation On School-age Children Physical Activity Status And Its Influence Factors From Health Behavior Perspective

Regular physical activity is beneficial to children's growth and physical fitness,which considered to be an important health behavior.Moreover,physical activity behavior formed in childhood,may track into adult life,benefits for chronic disease prevention and health maintenance.However,the cultivation of physical activity behavior is dynamic and mutable process,affected by many factors.Physical decline and obesity are increasing at alarming rates,due to transition in reduced physical activity and increased sedentary behavior associated with overuse of technology.Thus,it is significant to probe into the physical activity pattern of children and influence factors.ObjectivesThe purpose of this thesis was to examine the current status of physical activity among school-aged children at the age of 11,13 and 15 in Harbin,and explore the individual,family,school culture and social environments influence.Methods2438 children at the age of 11,13 and 15 in Harbin were sampled in the approach of multi-stage stratified random sampling.The questionnaire of “health behavior of school-aged children” was used to investigate physical activity and relevant influence factors.Descriptive statistics,chi-square test,independent sample T-test and ANOVA test used to compare difference of physical activity indicators,processed by SAS 9.2.Influence factor analysis were carried out by GENMOD,Multiple Regression-factorial and logistic stepwise analysis.Significance was achieved when P < 0.05.Results1.9.4% of school-age children in Harbin accumulated at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity daily.28.0% incorporated 3 times Vigorousintensity activities per week.2.Average level of physical activity in school were 3.15 hours per week,proportion of physically active frequency and time in MVPA off-school were 37.5% and 14.5%.Only 9.7% participated in sport club or organized Sport.3.Stepwise regression found urban and rural areas and counties were removed model,had no significant impact on physical activity.Only school grade was positively correlated with MVPA and VPA frequency(?= 0.0704 / 0.0468).Lack of equipment and no guidance were the main inhibiting factor(?=-0.3236 /-0.38627).4.Children who aiming at motor skills acquirements,were more physically active(?= 0.27915).Academic pressure,uninterested or not disposed in sports were the main barriers for physical active.Children with higher Motor skills and health fitness were more active(?=0.30071/0.25801).5.Extracurricular sports activity,Sport club participation and off-school exercise frequency and time counted for qualified rate of PAL(?=0.21364~0.29354).While PE class and Class-break exercise couldn't explain individual difference of PAL.Homework and sedentary time on school days were negative correlated with PAL(r=-0.083/-0.057).6.Father' education level,family economics and group activities frequency were positive correlated with MPAL(? = 0.1418 ~ 0.2782).Conclusions1.Children and youth are far more physical inactive in China,PAL significantly lower than Finland and other European countries.2.Sunshine sports policy not implemented,and low participation in off-school physical exercise,were the main reason for physical inactivity epidemic.3.School had great influence on studuents PAL than social environment.Lack of equipment and no guidance were the main inhibiting factor.4."Improving Motor Skills" is a valid motivation to promote physical activity,high level motorskills and physical fitness are prerequisite for physical activity participation.5.Extracurricular sports activity,Sport club participation and off-school exercise frequency and time counted for qualified rate of PAL.Sedentary behavior espically doing homework were negative correlated with PAL.6.Higher of Father's education level,family economics and frequency of exercise together with family,children were more physically active.Multi-angle guidance were need on promotion of physical activity and health.Improve the individual's physical activity awareness,implementation of campus physical education and scientific guidance offschool sports partication.Emphasis on family education and behavior management,improving surrounding environment supporting facilities,to improve child and adolescent PAL and health.