Adolescents’ perspectives on the barriers and facilitators of physical activity: a systematic review of qualitative studies

Abstract

This article examined qualitative studies of adolescents' perspectives about the facilitators and barriers of physical activity, published from 2007 to 2014. A systematic review of 'Web of Science', 'EBSCO', 'Psychinfo' and 'ERIC' databases was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. The following keywords were used: 'physical activity' and 'physical education', each one individually associated with 'correlate', 'determinant', 'facilitator', 'barrier', 'factor influen*', and with 'qualitative', 'focus group', 'interview', "narrative'. Out of 3815 studies initially identified, due to inclusion and quality criteria, only 12 were fully reviewed. Studies' outcomes were analyzed through thematic analysis. The majority of these reported research with young adolescent girls. Few studies have considered the socioeconomic status influence. According to young people's perspectives, the main facilitators and hampering factors to their participation in physical activity were the following: attitude toward physical activity; motivation; perceptions of competence and body image; fun; influence of friends, family and physical education teachers and environmental physical activity opportunities. Specific life transition periods were referred only as a barrier to physical activity. Strategies of pedagogical actions and for developing physical activity intervention programs were discussed, in order to effectively promote the adoption of active lifestyles among youth.

What undermines healthy habits with regard to physical activity and food? Voices of adolescents in a disadvantaged community

“…The adolescents expressed that, if they did not have access to smartphones and tablets, they would probably be healthier and more engaged in P.A, which aligns with the findings of Martins and colleagues (2015). Furthermore, on the one hand, some adolescents stated that it is more fun to interact and play games with their friends via smartphones, tablets, and computers than it is to be physically active.…”

“…was identified by Martins et al (2015). It has been argued, however, that the perception of lack of time is primarily an excuse to avoid P.A, and individuals citing lack of time as a barrier to P.A.…”

“…together with them. Additionally, the adolescents mentioned that lack of financial support from their parents makes it difficult for them to engage in organized P.A, a situation that, according to Martins et al (2015), may be specific for adolescents from low socioeconomic areas. The lack of parental support was also mentioned by the adolescents in relation to healthy food habits.…”

“…Thus, some studies have shown interest in adolescents’ perspectives and experiences of what influences their P.A. and dietary intake (e.g., Krølner et al, 2011; Martins, Marques, Sarmento, & Carreiro da Costa, 2015). …”

“…and food at an individual level, social level, environmental level, and societal level (Jenkins & Horner, 2005; Martins et al, 2015; Shepherd et al, 2005; Spencer, Rehman, & Kirk, 2015; Stevenson, Doherty, Barnett, Muldoon, & Trew, 2007). However, the majority of previous studies has been conducted in the US and the UK (e.g., Krølner et al, 2011; Martins et al, 2015; Shepherd et al, 2005; Spencer et al, 2015), and relatively few have focused on the voices of children and adolescents from multicultural communities with low S.E.S. (see, for example, McEvoy, MacPhail, & Enright, 2016; Rawlins, Baker, Maynard, & Harding, 2013; Taverno Ross & Francis, 2016; Tiedje et al, 2014).…”