Structural model of the factors affecting participation in leisure time physical activity (Tehran citizens, district 22 Iran)

This study aimed to investigate the structural model of the factors affecting participation in the leisure time physical activity of Tehran citizens in district 22. The research method was descriptive and a survey type and data collection method was field study. In this study, 304 people in both gender (152 men and 152 women) were selected as the sample. To determine the validity, the questionnaire was distributed among twelve sports management professors and after data collection, irrelevant items were removed and the tool was used after confirming the face validity. In this study, Kaigang Li (2010) validated, social-ecological questionnaire was used, which consisted of 50 items. Descriptive statistics indices (indices of central tendency, indices of dispersion, and distribution indices) were used for data analysis and one-way ANOVA and correlation coefficient were used for inferential analysis. Finally, the relationship between variables was evaluated using structural equation modeling and LISREL software. The results indicated that physical activity reduced the risk of many harmful health consequences including obesity and leisure time related physical activity with an emphasis on the social support, physical and political environments, psychological and demographic factors were taken into consideration. The results also indicated that a positive relationship existed between leisure time and individuals’ physical and psychological needs and allowed them to involve in multiple sport activities and balance and adapt their behavior. It also led to reduce stress, increase self-efficacy, participation, study and education advancement, and self-esteem.