Protective factors for physical activity in Pacific adolescents: A quantitative analysis from the Youth19 Survey

Eleni Tuitupou; Faasisila Savila; Analosa Veukiso-Ulugia; Jean M Uasike Allen; Melody Smith

doi:10.24135/pacifichealth.v8i1.95

Eleni Tuitupou Te Kura Tapuhi/School of Nursing, Waipapa Taumata Rau/University of Auckland
Faasisila Savila Pacific Health, Waipapa Taumata Rau/University of Auckland
Analosa Veukiso-Ulugia 3School of Curriculum and Pedagogy, Faculty of Arts and Education, Waipapa Taumata Rau/University of Auckland
Jean M Uasike Allen School of Curriculum and Pedagogy, Faculty of Arts and Education, Waipapa Taumata Rau/University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
Melody Smith Te Kura Tapuhi/School of Nursing, Waipapa Taumata Rau/University of Auckland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0987-2564

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24135/pacifichealth.v8i1.95

Keywords: Youth, Health promotion, Self Determination Theory, Theory of Planned Behaviour

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity is essential for health in adolescence, however less than half of adolescents in Aotearoa New Zealand are classified as being sufficiently active for health benefits. Pacific adolescents are less likely to be classified as sufficiently active compared to their peers from other ethnic groups. This study explored the association between physical activity in Pacific adolescents and potential protective factors.

Methods: This quantitative study uses data from the Youth19 Rangatahi Smart survey. A bivariable logistic regression analysis assessed the relationship between seventeen independent variables and physical activity participation in the past week. Thereafter, a multiple variable stepwise logistic regression analysed the variables significantly associated with physical activity.

Results: In the bivariable logistic regression analysis, the significant associations were gender, well-being score, belonging to a cultural group, belonging to a group outside of school, spiritual connectedness, school decile (4 & 8), and the belief that exercise is important. In the multivariable stepwise logistic regression analysis, two factors remained significant: belief that exercise is important (odds ratio = 4.896, 95% CI=3.268, 7.337, p <.001) and belonging to a group outside of school (odds ratio = 2.048, 95% CI = 1.397, 3.003, p <.001).

Conclusion: Overall, this study offers insights into the protective factors associated with physical activity in Pacific adolescents. Future qualitative research is needed to gain a more in-depth understanding of these protective factors within Pacific communities to help improve their health and well-being.