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. 2019 Aug 12:93:e201908047.

[Barriers and motivations perceived by adolescents related to physical activity. Qualitative study through discussion groups]

[Article in Spanish]
Isabel Fernández-Prieto  1 , Maria Giné-Garriga  2 , Olga Canet Vélez  3
Affiliations

[Barriers and motivations perceived by adolescents related to physical activity. Qualitative study through discussion groups]

[Article in Spanish]
Isabel Fernández-Prieto et al. Rev Esp Salud Publica. .

Abstract
in English, Spanish

Objective: Acquiring the habit of doing regular physical activity in adolescents has shown positive effects in the prevention of diseases and the maintenance of physical and psychological health. The objective was to explore the topics related to physical activity of a group of adolescents, to identify the barriers and motivators of regular physical activity practice.

Methods: Qualitative research of phenomenological explanatory design. The information was obtained through four Discussion Groups conducted with: a) expert professionals (6 participants); b) adolescents of both sexes (10 participants); c) female adolescents (6 participants); d) male adolescents (9 participants).

Results: Perceived barriers and motivations were detected in all groups of adolescents, contributing a total of 104 units of analysis. The group of experts emphasized the need to involve the family, the school, and the agents that surround the teenagers. The adolescents showed barriers related to incompatibilities due to lack of time, participation in leisure activities and demotivation due to routine and imposed activities (37; 35.5%). Motivation was related to participation in team sports and the positive influence of friends (28; 28%). The girls also showed concern about their body image and diet (39; 37.5%).

Conclusions: Barriers were identified in relation to the close environment of the adolescents in three main areas: family, friends and school. Motivators were linked to social and multicultural components. Priority actions in this group are to promote activities that include team sports as a mean to enhance social support.

Objetivo: Adquirir el hábito de realizar actividad física de forma habitual en adolescentes ha demostrado tener efectos positivos en la prevención de enfermedades y en el mantenimiento de la salud física y psicológica. El objetivo del estudio fue explorar aspectos relacionados con la actividad física de los adolescentes, para identificar así las barreras y las motivaciones de la práctica habitual.

Metodos: Investigación cualitativa de diseño fenomenológico explicativo. La información se obtuvo a través de la realización de cuatro Grupos de Discusión con: a) profesionales expertos (6 participantes); b) adolescentes de ambos sexos (10 participantes); c) mujeres adolescentes (6 participantes); d) hombres adolescentes (9 participantes).

Resultados: Se detectaron barreras percibidas y motivaciones en todos los grupos de adolescentes, aportando un total de 104 unidades de análisis. El grupo de expertos incidió en la necesidad de implicar a la familia, la escuela, y a los agentes que rodean a los adolescentes. Los adolescentes mostraron barreras relacionadas con las incompatibilidades por falta de tiempo, la participación en actividades de ocio y la desmotivación por actividades rutinarias e impuestas (37; 35,5%). La motivación se relacionó con la participación en deportes de equipo y la influencia positiva de los amigos (28; 28%). Las chicas, además, mostraron preocupación por su imagen corporal y la alimentación (39; 37,5%).

Conclusiones: Se identifican barreras en el entorno más próximo del adolescente, dentro del trío familia, amigos y escuela. Las motivaciones se vinculan a componentes sociales y multiculturales. Dentro de este colectivo, es prioritario impulsar actividades que incluyan el deporte en equipo y el soporte social.

Keywords: Adolescent; Barriers; Motivation; Physical activity; Qualitative research; Spain.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

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