Physical Activity and Its Associated Factors among Adolescents in Secondary Schools in Northeast Peninsular Malaysia

Background: The World Health Organization has estimated that 81% of adolescents worldwide are not sufficiently physically active. This study aimed to determine the level of physical activity and its associated factors among adolescents in secondary schools in northeast Peninsular Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted that involved Form 1 and Form 2 students from six public secondary schools. The study included a multistage stratified cluster sampling and used the Malay version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children and Body Image Contour Drawing Rating Scale. Data were analyzed by simple and multiple logistic regressions using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 22. Results: The study involved a total of 603 students who had a response rate of 89.7%. About 53% of the students were physically inactive. Being female [adjusted OR (95% CI): 5.07 (3.57, 7.20)] and allocating time for studying [adjusted OR (95% CI): 0.86 (0.75, 0.98)] were associated with physical inactivity. Conclusions: The majority of adolescents were physically inactive. To achieve a higher level of physical activity, intervention programs must consider the sex of adolescents and the amount of time they allocate for activities. Objective assessment of physical activity using pedometer or accelerometer is recommended.