Survey the effect of supportive social network on female teachers physical activity of Julfa city

Abstract

Although active lifestyle has been determined as an important factor for health, regular PA is less among women. Since the social support has a positive effect on the promotion of PA, the present study aimed to survey the effect of supportive social network on female teachers' physical activity of Julfa city. Materials and Methods: The study had a randomized feild trial with intervention and control groups.The schools were randomly assigned to intervention (n=115) and control group (n=115). At the baseline, demographic characteristics, physical activity, social support of physical activity, and perceived benefits of physical activity were measured by standard questionnaires. Participants in the intervention groups were exposed to 8-week PA and social support interventions. At the end line, the data from intervention participations (n = 83) were compared with the participantsin the control group(n = 83). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: No differences could be found between demographic characteristics of the intervention and control groups. There was a significant increase in the walking, vigorous and total MET-minutes/week intensities (p≤ 0.001) also PA at work (p≤ 0.001), transport and leisure time domains (p≤ 0.001) between the intervention and the control groups from baseline to end line. There was a positive effect between PA and social support. The average of peer support had significantly increased in intervention groups (mean=16.5±2.91) in comparison to the control group (mean=12.16±4.7) from baseline to end line (p≤ 0.001). Discussion and conclusion:Supportive social network increased the PA of teachers. Therefore, attention to inactive employees and creating a supportive workplace could be effective to promote of PA.