Self-Efficacy in Physical Activity among High School Students in the Falavarjan City, Iran

Physical activity is a key factor in maintaining health and preventing non-communicable diseases. The present study was conducted in 2016-2017 academic year to investigate level of self-efficacy and physical activity among boy high school students (junior) in the city of Flavarjan, Iran. The present descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 254 boy junior high school students selected according to a multistage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Physical Activity Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Pearson, independent t, one-way ANOVA, and linear regression tests at the significance level of P < 0.050. Findings: Students' mean physical activity score was 2630.36 met/cal/week, and physical activity was intense in 10.2%, moderate in 52.3%, and poor in 37.5% of students. Mean self-efficacy score was 57.26 ± 18.14. A significant relationship was observed between self-efficacy and physical activity (r = 0.24, P < 0.001). Mother education and self-efficacy predicted physical activity by 0.36. Self-Efficacy in physical activity among high school students was moderate. As regards, self-efficacy affects physical activity as an intrinsic factor; so, it is recommended to use strategies of self-efficacy to enhance physical activity among the students.