Physical activity among adolescent girls and the factors linked to it: a scoping review

Abstract

The low level of physical activity in Western countries is one of the major public health problems of the 21st century, and the problem is especially dire among adolescent girls, worsens their health and increases social inequality. The objective was to identify the factors linked to the initiation, maintenance, and abandonment of physical activity among adolescent girls. A scoping review of the literature was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases. Studies published 2006-2020 were included in the search and the keywords used were Adolescent girls, Physical activity, Experience and the boolean operator AND. The studies reflected psychosocial factors, perceptions, or experiences of adolescent girls linked to physical activity. Both quantitative and qualitative research from any discipline were included. Forty-two studies were selected. Using Pender's health promotion model to evaluate the results, we conclude that perception of barriers and situational factors are the main reasons for low levels of physical activity. Perceived self-efficacy, positive affect linked to the activity, and the physical and social environment are the key to starting and maintaining physical activity. These factors should be kept in mind in designing health promotion plans that aim to increase physical activity in adolescent girls.