Table 3 Illustrative examples for the category of social factors.

A1. Social recognition degree

If your colleagues embrace the concept of health communication, it becomes easier for PE teachers to align with them and become actively involved in health communication practices. They are more likely to follow suit and actively participate in promoting health communication.

1, 5, 9, 10

A2. Policy support

I think the educational policies and regulations set by school principals have a significant impact on guiding PE teachers in their approach to health communication practices. For example, if there is a strong policy encouraging PE teachers to actively engage in health communication, it provides them with more opportunities to learn and develop their health communication skills.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12

A3. Availability of public facilities

The character of PE teachers’ health communication should be highly related to physical activity. Physical activity often involves specific infrastructures, such as outdoor spaces dedicated to soccer, rugby, track and field events, and baseball. These spaces typically have distinct markings and goalposts designed for each sport. However, there are challenges for PE teachers when it comes to conducting health communication if ideal locations for physical activity are not readily available.

1, 2, 3, 7, 10

A4. Adequacy of the education system

Another factor is the constraints imposed by the curriculum. For example, issues such as physical injuries or a lack of widespread dissemination of educational knowledge often result from inadequate previous education, leaving teachers deficient in relevant knowledge.

4, 7, 9, 10