Relationship of Social Determinants and Physical Activity among Adolescents with Risk of Obesity in Rural Areas of Indonesia

Abstract

Physical inactivity in adolescents can increase the risk of obesity which has the potential of negative impacts on
the physical and psychological health of adolescents. It can also increase the incidence of non-communicable
diseases in adulthood. This study aimed to identify the relationship between social determinants and physical
activity among adolescents with the risk of obesity in rural Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was conducted
at two senior high schools in rural areas of Indonesia on 134 respondents that were selected by using a simple
random sampling technique. Data were collected using a demographic data questionnaire and Physical Activity
Questionnaire-Adolescents (PAQ-A). The results of analysis by using the Chi-square test showed a significant
relationship between parental education and physical activity among adolescents with the risk of obesity (P =
0.002). Meanwhile, gender (P = 1.000), parental occupation (P = 0.474), and parental income (P = 0.317) showed
that there was no significant relationship with physical activity among adolescents with the risk of obesity,
respectively. It is suggested that the relevant senior high schools collaborate with public health centers to provide
health education for parents of adolescents, especially those with low formal education, about the importance of
physical activity for adolescents’ health.