Promoting physical activity of adolescent and young Iranian girls

Abstract

Background:Women play a central role in the health of the whole family, but they are faced with more barriers while taking part in physical activities.Methods:This study was composed of two main phases. In the first phase, the status of physical activity among young and adolescent in Iran and global evidence of effective interventions were searched. In the second phase, Focused Group Discussion (FGD) sessions were held with the key stakeholders in Tehran to investigate the results obtained from the first phase.Results:Physical activity among young and adolescent in Iran is inadequate. Based on the results obtained from the evidence and analysis of the FGDs, solutions defined as supporting policies, supporting environment, and supporting programs for physical activities.Conclusions:Multilevel cooperation among schools, families, and society is necessary to develop and implement policies and supporting programs, with an emphasis on combined interventions.

Socioeconomic gradient in physical activity: findings from the PERSIAN cohort study

“…The level of physical activity is affected by various factors. Some studies note that the factors such as age, smoking status, education, body mass index (BMI), stress, gender (being female), higher educational levels, emotional distress, family satisfaction, income, diseases and depression have a negative association with the physical activity level [7]. In contrary, some work indicate the variables such as socioeconomic status (SES), access to exercise facilities, social supports, being married, positive beliefs and attitudes, sunny weather conditions, better health status have a positive impact on the physical activity level [8, 9].…”