Association Between Physical Exercise And Psycho-Social Problems Among Adolescents In Secondary Education

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a key period of growth in life, and the psychological development in this period is in a stage of rapid maturity without maturity, with distinct characteristics of self-contradiction. Psychosocial problems negatively affect school performance, social skills and mental development. In recent years, researchers have investigated the relationship between physical activity and psychological health. The study aims to examine whether physically inactive adolescents and slightly active adolescents experience more psychosocial problems compared with active adolescents. Methods: A school-based, cross-sectional questionnaire conducted among adolescents from January to April 2023 in KSA. To examine the association between physical exercise and psychosocial problems, multi-level linear regression was carried out. Results: The weighted average Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire score of active adolescents was lower than that of inactive adolescents. Adolescents who are inactive had 12% (β = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.10–1.14; P <0 .001) more psychosocial problems compared with active adolescents. Further, inactive adolescents had a higher score on the subscales emotional problems (β = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.17—1.22; P < 0.001) and problems with peers (β = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.14—1.19; P < 0.001).  There was no statistical significant difference in total score of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire between active and slightly active adolescents. Conclusion: Physically active adolescents have fewer psycho[1]social problems compared with physically inactive adolescents. Not only is this association significant, but there is an indication that it is also of clinical relevance.