Physical activity promoting mental well-being among adolescents: A community-based school nursing intervention

Abstract

Introduction
Sedentary behavior among adolescents is a growing public health concern that calls for urgent intervention, as it contributes to both physical and mental health problems and directly affects adolescents’ quality of life. External factors such as parental support, parents’ health literacy, and frequent screen use negatively influence the adoption of regular physical activity. As this issue becomes increasingly prevalent among adolescents, community and public health nurses play a key role in school settings by promoting health literacy among young people and actively supporting behavior change through empowerment strategies.

Objective
To equip 8th-grade adolescents with the knowledge and skills to adopt healthy physical activity habits that promote mental well-being.

Methods
The project was developed using the Health Planning Methodology and grounded in Nola Pender’s Health Promotion Model. The situational assessment was carried out using the Students’ Attitudes Toward Physical Education questionnaire and a focus group. A non-probabilistic convenience sample of 10 students was obtained.

Results
Adolescents demonstrated limited knowledge about the importance of physical activity for their overall development and mental well-being, and reported engaging in sedentary behavior during their free time.

Conclusion
This school-based health promotion project increased adolescents’ knowledge of the topic and empowered them to adopt healthier physical activity habits, contributing to long-term behavior change and healthier lifestyles.