WHAT IS NEEDED TO PROMOTE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN A SECONDARY SCHOOL? A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Interventions are required to modify physical activity behaviours in adolescents, and in this regard, education-based actions seem to be effective. The aim of this study was to explore the beliefs and perceptions of the context stakeholders with respect to adolescents' health behaviours, as well as intervention programmes to gain insight into the setting where the implementation of an intervention is required. Three focus groups were created with twenty-two participants (nine adolescents, four parents, six teachers, and three local politicians). The educational context, in collaboration with the community, was perceived as a setting with high a potential for physical activity promotion. Engagement and coordination of all stakeholders were considered necessary for a tailored intervention, in addition to programme institutionalization to ensure sustainability. Multilevel intervention with a whole school and community approach is key to increasing physical activity levels among adolescents.