Motives of doprout and non practice physical activity and sport in spanish adolescents: The avena study | Motivos de abandono y no práctica de actividad físicodeportiva en adolescentes españoles: Estudio Avena

Abstract

Baena, A. C. M.; Zapatera, Belén; Delgado-Fernández, M.; et al.Despite the recognized physical, psychological and social benefits of physical and sport practice in the health of young people, prevalence of doprout and lack of such activities is increasing in developed countries. Interventions of different society institutions are required, being particularly relevant educational institutions. The aim of the study is to analyze the interest physical activity and sport regarding the level of participation in this practice and to know the reasons for abandoning and non practicing in a representative sample of Spanish adolescents. A descriptive cross-sectional study was implemented and the survey about behaviours, attitudes and values related to physical activity and sport practice, which was developed in the AVENA (Feeding and assessment of nutritional status of spanish adolescents) study. The sample size was 2859 Spanish adolescents (1.357 men, 1.502 women; age range: 13-18.5 years) and chosen from among students of secondary education, both from public and private schools in five Spanish cities: Granada, Madrid, Murcia, Santander and Zaragoza. The main results show a high level of interest about physical activity and sport practice although almost half of the adolescents show an insufficient level regarding the level that they would like to practice. The demanding school and laziness and reluctante are the main reasons for stop practicing. The reasons for no practicing are lack of time, and much further the laziness, lack of pleasure with the practice and tiredness because of the school or work. Gender and age modify significantly the interest and reasons for abandoning and non practicing physical activity andsports. The knowledge of these reasons could allow to develop effective and long-term successful intervention programmesfor adopting healthy lifestyles in young people. © 2012 Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Murcia Murcia (España).Peer Reviewe