Barriers to and Suggestions for a Healthful, Active Lifestyle as Perceived by Rural and Urban Costa Rican Adolescents

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Barriers to and Suggestions for a Healthful, Active Lifestyle as Perceived by Rural and Urban Costa Rican Adolescents
Language: English
Authors: Monge-Rojas, Rafael, Garita-Arce, Carlos, Sanchez-Lopez, Marta, Colon-Ramos, Uriyoan
Source: Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. May-Jun 2009 41(3):152-160.
Availability: Elsevier. 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32887-4800. Tel: 877-839-7126; Tel: 407-345-4020; Fax: 407-363-1354; e-mail: usjcs@elsevier.com; Web site: http://www.elsevier.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 9
Publication Date: 2009
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: High Schools
Descriptors: Physical Education, Role Models, Recreational Activities, Physical Activities, Focus Groups, Adolescents, Foreign Countries, Content Analysis, High School Students, Competition, Team Sports, Sex Role, Physical Education Facilities, Recreational Facilities, Student Attitudes, Student Motivation
Geographic Terms: Costa Rica
DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2008.03.002
ISSN: 1499-4046
Abstract: Objective: To assess the perceptions of rural and urban Costa Rican adolescents regarding which barriers and motivators affect their adoption of an active lifestyle. Design: Data were collected in focus group discussions. Participants: 108 male and female adolescents aged 12 to 18 from the 7th to 11th grades. Setting: Two urban and 1 rural high school in San Jose, Costa Rica. Phenomena of Interest: Active lifestyle; barriers and motivators for active life. Analysis: Data were reviewed for emerging themes, and themes were coded using content analysis procedures. Results: Major barriers: (a) physical education curriculum was focused on competitive sports; (b) lack of facilities in the school and community environments; (c) family did not provide good role models and reinforced the socially expected gender roles. Key motivators: (a) changed the physical education curriculum to focus on leisure and recreational activities; (b) increased the availability of facilities both in the school and in the community; and (c) provided a strong social support network. Conclusions and Implications: The school, community, and family environments are potential targets for physical activity interventions for adolescents. Future studies should explore in depth the influence of adolescent socialization patterns (particularly for females) in the establishment of an active lifestyle.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2009
Accession Number: EJ838292
Database: ERIC
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