Active Minds, Healthy Bodies
Investigating Physical Activity, Barriers, and Health Outcomes in Saudi Adolescent Females
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15716700 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Wafaa Saleh (0000-0001-6552-2318, Edinburgh Napier University, corresponding author), Ghada Alturif (0000-0003-3997-3523, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue | 7 |
| Pages | 846-846 |
| Publication date | 2025-06-27 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Children (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2227-9067 • E-ISSN: 2227-9067 |
| Publisher | Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3390/children12070846 |
| PMID | 40723039 |
| OpenAlex | W4411962032 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 21 |
Background: Physical inactivity among adolescents, particularly females in conservative societies like Saudi Arabia, poses significant risks to both physical and psychological health. Cultural norms, environmental constraints, and limited access to gender-appropriate sports facilities further exacerbate the problem. Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective, context-sensitive interventions. Aim: This study aimed to examine the relationship between daily physical activity behaviours and health outcomes, both physical and psychological, among adolescent females in Saudi Arabia. This paper also explores the impact of socio-environmental variables such as income, household size, and urban/rural residence on activity levels and wellbeing. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 636 adolescent females aged 13-21 was conducted using validated instruments. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) measured physical activity levels, and the Self-Rated Health (SRH) assessed psychological wellbeing and health-related quality of life. The analysis employed an Ordinal Logistic Model (OLM) guided by the Social Ecological Model (SEM) to assess predictors of physical activity participation. Results: The OLM results indicated that higher income levels, smaller household size, urban residence, and older age categories were significantly associated with higher levels of physical activity ( p 2 of 0.36. Cultural and environmental barriers, particularly in rural areas, were identified as significant deterrents to participation. Conclusions: The findings highlight the urgent need for culturally adapted, gender-sensitive health promotion programs that target both individual and structural barriers to physical activity among adolescent girls in Saudi Arabia. Enhanced societal support and accessible sports infrastructure could significantly improve health outcomes and quality of life
Context (archaeology · Environmental health · Geography · Health promotion · Physical activity · Promotion (chess · Psychological intervention · Public health · Quality of life (healthcare · Residence · Demography · Medicine · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Physical Activity and Health · Psychology · Youth Development and Social Support · Gerontology
Applied Logistic Regression
Physical activity and mental health in children and adolescents
Youth sport programs
Adolescent Physical Activity and Health
A systematic review of the psychological and social benefits of participation in sport for adults
Evidence Based Physical Activity for School-age Youth
Physical Education and Sport in Schools
Exercise and well-being
An Ecological Perspective on Health Promotion Programs
Correlates of physical activity
Mortality prediction with a single general self-rated health question
Global trends in insufficient physical activity among adolescents
Systematic review of the health benefits of physical activity and fitness in school-aged children and youth
The relationship between self-rated health and objective health status
Self-Rated Health and Mortality
Just one question
Predictors of Adolescent Self-rated Health
Cross-national variation of gender differences in adolescent subjective health in Europe and North America
| Highly cited | No |
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