Relationship of Social Determinants and Physical Activity among Adolescents with Risk of Obesity in Rural Areas of Indonesia

Abstract

Physical inactivity in adolescents can increase the risk of obesity which has the potential of negative impacts on the physical and psychological health of adolescents. It can also increase the incidence of non-communicable diseases in adulthood. This study aimed to identify the relationship between social determinants and physical activity among adolescents with the risk of obesity in rural Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was conducted at two senior high schools in rural areas of Indonesia on 134 respondents that were selected by using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a demographic data questionnaire and Physical Activity Questionnaire-Adolescents (PAQ-A). The results of analysis by using the Chi-square test showed a significant relationship between parental education and physical activity among adolescents with the risk of obesity (P = 0.002). Meanwhile, gender (P = 1.000), parental occupation (P = 0.474), and parental income (P = 0.317) showed that there was no significant relationship with physical activity among adolescents with the risk of obesity, respectively. It is suggested that the relevant senior high schools collaborate with public health centers to provide health education for parents of adolescents, especially those with low formal education, about the importance of physical activity for adolescents' health.