Identifying Effective Factors on Institutionalization of Leisure Time Physical Activity: Presenting a Model

Enjoying the benefits of physical activity requires having an active lifestyle and continuous participation in various types of physical activity, especially leisure time physical activity, and ultimately its institutionalization in individuals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify effective factors on institutionalizing leisure time physical activity and presenting a model. The research method was mixed in type of exploratory that was performed in two parts: qualitative, quantitative, and field method. The statistical population in the qualitative and quantitative sections were all people who had continuous physical activity for 5 years in their leisure time. The interview was conducted with 16 people by snowball method until theoretical saturation was achieved in the qualitative section. According to Morgan table, 384 people were selected through convenience sampling. The collection tools in the qualitative part was the interview and in the quantitative part was the questionnaire from the interview. Their validity and reliability were examined. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient, exploratory factor analysis and second-order confirmatory factor analysis) were used to analyze the data. The results showed that a total of 27 factors have an impact on the institutionalization of leisure time physical activity that by recognizing, planning and creating mechanisms for operationalization of these factors can facilitate the process of institutionalization of leisure time physical activity in the community and witnessed a healthy and dynamic society.