Correlates of Physical Activity Based on the Social Ecological Model: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES The current study aimed to examine the existing literature carried out in Korea regarding physical activity and its related factors based on the social ecological model (SEM).METHODS A systematic search of relevant literature published from March 2011 to December 20200 was conducted through RISS, KISS, KCI, DBpia, and SEMANTIC SCHOLAR. A total of 9 studies met the inclusion criteria. The selected articles were all of high quality as assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.RESULTS Results indicated that all SEM constructs were significantly correlated with physical activity. In specific, self-efficacy showed highest correlation effect size with 0.41(95% CI=0.33~0.49), followed by pros with 0.26(95% CI=0.23~0.30), quality of exercise facilities with 0.25(95% CI=0.19~0.32), accessibility of exercise facilities with 0.23(95% CI=0.20~0.26), friend support with 0.21(95% CI=0.15~0.28), and family support with 0.20(95% CI=0.03~0.38).CONCLUSIONS The current study was the first attempt applying a meta-analysis to investigate the existing research publications targeted at Korean physical activity based on the SEM. More importantly, the study suggests the direction of evidence-based research by synthesizing studies that applied the SEM to physical activity conducted in Korea and providing practical data to establish strategies to promote physical activity based on the SEM in the future.