Study of perceived barriers to physical activity in male and female high school students in Izeh in 2011 - 2012

In order to identify barriers to physical activity in adolescents and young adults, several studies has been done in different countries of the world. But In relevance with this, is not enough information available in Iran. Therefore, this study was performed in the high school students of Izeh to compensate this shortcoming. In this descriptive and analytic study, subjects were 500 high school students (Including 300 females and 200 males) from the Izeh city, who were selected through the multistage random sampling method. Using a questionnaire, barriers to physical activity were examined in participants. After completing the questionnaires, data was then extracted and inserted into the SPSS18 software to analysis. The criterion for statistical significance was P<. 05. 69/8% of students were passive. Male students were more active than females. External barriers to physical activity were more important than internal barriers to adolescents. 3 items “I have few sports facilities “, "The sport facilities Schedule, does not match with my condition" and " Exercise Costs are Very High” were mentioned as the most important barriers to physical activity by students. The results of this study showed that external barriers to physical activity in students than internal barriers have a more effective role. Also female students reported barriers as an important factor in the prevention of physical activity more than male. Therefore understanding of these factors by health educators, health professionals and other authorities will help in design intervention programs to promote physical activity in adolescents.