Regular Physical Activity Among Iranian Gen Z: Key Influences on Participation Rates

Generation Z's physical activity participation is a public health concern, yet research on its environmental, social, and motivational determinants remains limited. An exploratory sequential mixed-methods design was employed. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews with ۱۷ sports management experts identified five key factors: personal incentives, safety, the physical environment, peer influence, and sports facilities. Based on these findings, a ۴۹-item Likert-scale questionnaire was completed by ۳۸۴ adolescents (۱۵–۲۰ years old) in Qom Province, Iran. Quantitative data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling and Partial Least Squares. SEM analysis indicated good model fit (composite reliability = ۰.۸۶, Cronbach’s alpha = ۰.۸۷, goodness-of-fit index = ۰.۴۶). Individual motivation emerged as the most significant factor (factor loading = ۰.۸۶۷), followed by safety (۰.۸۳۳), environmental factors (۰.۷۸۸), peer influence (۰.۷۳۷), and sports facilities (۰.۷۱۶). These findings emphasize the need for motivational, safe, and accessible physical activity settings for Generation Z. This study highlights key drivers of regular physical activity among Generation Z. The findings offer insights for policymakers, educators, and community planners to develop targeted interventions addressing motivational, environmental, and social factors.

کلیدواژه ها:

Physical activity ، Generation Z ، Adolescents