Modeling the Impact of Social Factors on Citizen Sports Participation, Physical and Mental Health

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of social factors on sports participation, physical and mental health of Shirazi citizens. This was a descriptive study on 400 citizens who referred to sports venues in Shiraz for physical activity. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire that was organized into three sections: social factors (11 questions), physical health (6 questions), and mental health (9 questions). The questionnaires were provided to the statistical community after confirming the content validity. Research data were analyzed using structural equation modeling in PLS software environment. According to the results of the study, social factors had a direct and significant effect on sports participation, physical, and mental health. The mediating role of sports participation was also observed. Therefore, due to the low level of social support among Shirazi families, it is necessary to institutionalize sports culture among individuals to interpersonal variables such as support and social norms through citizens awareness of the multiple benefits of physical activity, family sports festivals and group-based physical activity.