Physical activity (PA) is one of the most important determinants of physical and psychological health and longevity. The COVID-19 pandemic added negative effects to already low PA and psychological health among school students. This study aims to identify psychological predictors of PA among Lithuanian school students after COVID-19.
The cross-sectional population-based study in 2022 included 4925 school students aged 11-19 years old, with a mean of 14.08 (2.21) years. 49.9 percent were male. IPAQ-short form was used to measure PA. A Kidmed screener was used to evaluate adherence to a healthy diet. Psychological well-being was indicated using WHO-5, psychological distress – Kessler 6-item scale, social support - the Sallis Support for Exercise Scales, and self-rated health – a single item on a Likert scale. Covariates were gender, age, parental education, and body mass index.
Results showed that 15.4 percent of students were adequately physically active, 36.0 percent had high psychological distress, 11.2 percent – had a risk for depression, and 30.6 percent – had low self-rated health. Higher PA was predicted by higher self-rated health (β=.07), support from friends (β=.17) and family (β=.11), and higher motivation for PA, (β=.19) and not by psychological well-being and distress (p>.05). Among covariates, male gender, older age, being not overweight or obese and higher parental education were positively associated with higher PA (p<.001). Conclusion. Family and friends‘ support, motivation as well as self-rated health are important correlates of PA, which might be corrected in intervention programs. Enhancing PA is an important contribution to the health of youth.

Authors:
Brigita Mieziene, Lithuanian Sports University, Lithuania
Arunas Emeljanovas, Lithuanian Sports University, Lithuania
Vilma Grigaliene, Lithuanian Sports University, Lithuania
Gabriele Pliuskute, Lithuanian Sports University, Lithuania
Aiste Staurylaite, Lithuanian Sports University, Lithuania
Dominykas Sadeckas, Lithuanian Sports University, Lithuania

About the Presenter(s)
Professor Brigita Mieziene is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at Lithuanian Sports University in Lithuania

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