Characteristics of schools and participants.

BackgroundThe growing global burden of noncommunicable diseases, exacerbated by insufficient physical activity (PA), contributes to a range of adverse physical, mental, and social health outcomes. This is a significant concern in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), where cultural and environmental factors further limit opportunities for PA, particularly among schoolchildren in urban areas.AimThis study explores the challenges and opportunities related to school-based PA to inform future interventions targeting schoolboys aged 13–15 years in KSA.MethodsQualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 16 school staff members, seven parents and workshops involving 37 male students from two contrasting schools (one private and one public), in Jeddah City, KSA. All participants were recruited via purposive sampling. Follow-up interviews were conducted with a total of nine school staff members at both schools. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns and insights.ResultsThis study found that PA among students was influenced by multiple factors. Individual-level motivators included enjoyment, competition, and perceived health benefits, while barriers included academic pressures and sedentary preferences. Interpersonal influences involved varying levels of support from parents, peers, and teachers. School-related factors such as the physical environment, facilities, and institutional policies also shaped PA availability. At the community-level, participants highlighted the potential for interventions that adapt international programmes to the local context.ConclusionThis study underscores the need for a multi-dimensional approach to promoting PA among adolescents in Jeddah. Stakeholders should consider piloting and adapting proven international interventions, addressing disparities in school resources, increasing the time allocated for PA within the curriculum, and raising parental awareness about the importance of PA. These steps are essential to creating a supportive environment that fosters improved public health and youth well-being in KSA.背景：全球非传染性疾病负担日益加重，而身体活动（physical activity，PA）不足进一步加剧了这一状况，由此引发一系列不良生理、心理及社会健康结局。这一问题在沙特阿拉伯王国（Kingdom of Saudi Arabia，KSA）尤为突出，当地的文化与环境因素进一步限制了居民参与身体活动的机会，城市学龄儿童受影响尤甚。 目的：本研究旨在探讨校本身体活动相关的挑战与机遇，为沙特阿拉伯王国未来针对13~15岁男学生的干预措施提供决策参考。 方法：本研究于沙特阿拉伯王国吉达市的两所差异化办学类型学校（一所私立、一所公立）开展，通过半结构化访谈、专题工作坊采集质性研究数据：访谈对象包括16名学校工作人员与7名家长，专题工作坊共有37名男学生参与。所有参与者均通过目的性抽样招募。随后，对两所学校共9名学校工作人员开展追踪访谈。采用主题分析法对采集到的数据进行分析，以提炼核心研究模式与关键洞见。 结果：本研究发现，学生的身体活动水平受多重因素共同影响。个体层面的激励因素包括参与乐趣、竞技性活动及感知到的健康收益，而阻碍因素则包括学业压力与久坐偏好。人际层面的影响则来自家长、同伴与教师的不同程度支持。学校相关因素，如实体环境、运动设施及院校政策，同样会影响身体活动的可及性。在社区层面，参与者提出可将国际项目适配本土情境的干预方案具备应用潜力。 结论：本研究强调，在吉达市青少年群体中推广身体活动需采用多维度综合策略。利益相关方应考虑试点并调整已被证实有效的国际干预方案，解决各校资源分配不均的问题，增加课程内身体活动的课时，并提升家长对身体活动重要性的认知。上述举措对于打造支持性环境、改善沙特阿拉伯王国的公共卫生状况与青少年福祉至关重要。