School Students' Physical Activity: Physical Activity and Its Contributing Factors in Young People

Abstract: There is a dearth of research conducted in Jordan regarding contributing factors of physical activity among school students. The current study investigated the contributing factors of physical activity among Jordanian school students. A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 260 students using a self-reported questionnaire. The physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The results indicated that more than half of the students reported being physically active (58.5%). In the past six months, physical activity among school students was associated with Body Mass Index (BMI) and self-perceived health status. Logistic regression indicated that students who perceived their health status as Very Good/Excellent were more likely to be active than those who perceived their health status as Fair/Poor/Good (OR = 5.19; CI = 2.940-9.194). This study offers new understanding of the factors affecting physical activity among school students. The results indicated that physical activity education should be compulsory in the school setting.