Family social support and meeting the physical activity recommendations in adolescents

Understanding the relationship between social support and physical activity (PA) in Latin America is essential for designing culturally relevant interventions. This cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between perceived family social support and meeting the physical activity (PA) recommendations among adolescents aged 11 to 18 years from the city of Monteria, Colombia. A multi-stage probabilistic sampling method yielded a sample of 1573 participants. Perceived family social support and PA levels (SAYCARE PA) were assessed by validated questionnaires in a sample of 1573 participants. Logistic regression models were used to analyze associations, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. High overall social support was associated with meeting the PA recommendations (under 15 years, OR: 1.8; CI 95% 1.2–2.7; p-value = 0.004; 15 years and older, OR: 1.9; CI 95% 1.1–3.3; p-value = 0.02). Results showed that adolescents under 15 years with high social support from all types and sources were more likely to meet PA recommendations (OR from 1.6 to 2.5). In contrast, among those 15 years and older, high social support from siblings (OR: 2.0; CI 95% 1.3–3.0; p-value = 0.003), and high observational support (OR: 1.7; CI 95% 1.1–2.7; p-value = 0.02), were associated with being physically active. These findings suggest that the relationship between perceived family social support and meeting the PA recommendations varies by age group, with younger adolescents benefiting from a broader range of support sources and types, while older adolescents benefit primarily from siblings and observational support. These findings could be useful for designing longitudinal or intervention studies.