Exploring Exercise Behaviors and Health Knowledge in Secondary School Students: A Mixed-Methods Study in One School

The study aimed to: a) determine the exercise stages of change (ESC) and health-related fitness knowledge (HRFK) levels in one secondary school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, and b) investigate how students with varying ESC and HRFK levels apply HRFK in their daily lives and identify the key sources and support systems (such as family, teachers, and peers) that facilitate this process. For the first aim of this mixed-method study, the Exercise Stages of Change Questionnaire and Health-Related Fitness Knowledge Test were applied to all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students in one school (n= 511, 233 girls, 278 boys). Based on their scores, students were divided into four groups. For the second aim, four focus group interviews were conducted with 30 students (13 girls, 17 boys), selected through purposeful sampling from the four groups. The study found significant differences in the physical activity behaviours of students in the four different groups based on their ESC and HRFK. Students with high HRFK often had support from family and coaches, and they verified their information. In contrast, those with low HRFK needed more support and focused more on sports performance than HRFK. It underscores the importance for educators to implement targeted strategies that address the diverse needs of students, ultimately fostering an inclusive environment that promotes active and healthy lifestyles.