Promoting Physical Activity among Adolescents in Hong Kong

Abstract

Background and aims: Physical activity is crucial for the health and development of children and adolescents. However, the majority of young people in Hong Kong are sedentary and do not meet the World Health Organisation or local recommendations for physical activity. This study aims to promote physical activity amongst secondary school students through structured schoolbased physical activity interventions. Methods: This is a two-phased parallel study in Kwai Tsing (by The University of Hong Kong) and Shatin (by The Chinese University of Hong Kong) districts. Formative research was conducted in Phase I by both research teams, among physical education teachers, students, and parents regarding school based physical activity. Based on data collected, specific interventions were then developed. In Phase II, intervention and control schools were selected in the two districts and specific intervention programmes were implemented. The intervention programmes were conducted over a six month period and used slightly different designs. Data was analyzed by SPSS and multiple linear regression. Results: In the Kwai Tsing district, 438 secondary 1 and 2 students (aged 12-14 years) from six local schools participated in the main study. Compared with the control, students in the intervention group had statistically significantly improvement in: i) mental health, ii) general self-efficacy, iii) physical activity level, iv) flexibility and v) muscle strength in the lower extremity. In the Shatin district, 400 secondary 1 and 2 students (aged 12-17 years) from four local schools enrolled in the main study. Statistically significant improvements were found among programme participants in: i) handgrip strength and abdominal muscle performance, ii) self-perceptions such as global physical self-concept, perceived appearance and endurance; iii) physical activity related self-efficacy, and iv)physical activity related social support. Conclusions: This study explored the feasibility of school-based approaches to promote physical activity among Hong Kong adolescents. The interventions may improve certain aspects of students' physical fitness and psychosocial correlates. The present community- based model appears to be effective in promoting physical activity and fostering positive development in the Hong Kong school setting. Further study is needed to assess the sustainability of these programmes.

Acknowledgement The project was funded by the Freddy Zimmern Sports Foundation