Physical Activity, Sedentary Screen Time, Bullying and Risk Behaviors: Exploring Differences between Adolescents With and Without Disabilities
2Sport Center for the Disabled, Ramat Gan
3Department of Health Systems Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel
4School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio
5Physical Activity for Health Research Cluster, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick
6Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan
7Physical Education, Kaye Academic College of Education, Be'er-Sheva
8College of Public Health, Ben-Gurion University, Be'er-Sheva
9Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Education, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan
Worldwide, adolescents often present difficulties in complying with health-behavior recommendations set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Adolescents with disability (AWD) are more likely to be at risk of reduced participation in physical activity, as well as at risk of being more engaged in sedentary screen time, in bullying and in other risk behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of PA participation and risk behaviors in participants with and without disabilities. The current study implemented sub-group comparisons, correlations, and regression analyses on data from the 2013-14 Health Behavior in School-Aged Children Survey (Israel) among adolescents aged 11-17 (N=4241; 56% female; 9.3%= AWD). Our findings indicated that the majority (90%) of AWD and adolescents without disabilities did not comply with WHO PA recommendations. PA participation was significantly decreased in AWD in grades 6 and 8 compared to adolescents without disability. In addition, 30% of AWD and adolescents without disability, engaged in sedentary screen time 3 hours/day during the week and weekend. Furthermore, AWD were significantly more involved in bullying behaviors as well as in risk behaviors such as smoking cigarettes, misusing drugs or drinking alcohol. Differences between various groups of students with disability have also been noticed. In conclusion, utilizing the information derived from this study, AWD should be given specific attention to reduce the likelihood of bullying and other risk behaviors at school, and to increase the likelihood of inclusion of AWD in PA programs.
Powered by Eventact EMS