Physical Activity Status of Elementary School Children in Bushehr in 1398

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Physical activity is one of the most important components of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical activity level of primary school students in Bushehr in 1398. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study, the research population included all elementary school students in Bushehr. Four hundred and six students were selected using multi-stage random sampling. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children, which is a valid and reliable scale, was used to collect the data. Independent t test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression model were used for data analysis. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software version 20. Results: The mean score of physical activity was 3.27±0.84. There was a significant relationship between demographic factors (parents’ education level, participant’s education level and BMI) and physical activity. Students whose parents had higher levels of education were more likely to engage in physical activity and people who were obese had less physical activity. Conclusion: The students' physical activity was moderate. Given that there is a direct link between physical inactivity and increased prevalence of overweight and obesity, it is important to pay attention to the lifestyle of people, especially children and adolescents who are in the learning age. Therefore, more attention should be paid to improving the level of physical activity in students through education and building a culture.

Keywords

• physical activity
• students
• body mass index
• obesity