Factors Influencing Physical Activity Levels Among Canadian Youth

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors influencing the levels of physical activity among Canadian youth (ages 12-24). Methods: Analyses of the 1996-97 National Population Health Survey (NPHS) were conducted using data collected from female (n=6195) and male (n=5925) Canadians aged 12-24 years. The data were analyzed using correlational, ANOVA and regression procedures with post hoc analyses (Bonferroni) employed where applicable. Results: Compared to males, Canadian female youth were found to be less physically active, more concerned about being overweight, more depressed, and to consult mental health professionals more frequently. On the other hand, females were more likely to report greater social support than males and to be more socially involved. Those adolescents who smoke tend to be less physically active and, along with those who consume alcohol, have poorer health. Discussion: The significant predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors influencing youths' physical activity levels more profoundly affect females. The results are discussed in terms of strategies for enabling physical activity available in the literature. In addition to individual determinants influencing physical activity, a move toward understanding policy and environmental factors is recommended for further research. La traduction du résumé se trouve à la fin de l'article.

An Examination of Triple Jeopardy in Rural Youth Physical Activity Participation

“…Similarly, among 108 African American sixth graders, active boys and girls demonstrated higher levels of self‐efficacy than their less active peers 34 . That social support was significantly related to youth activity outcomes also follows extant activity research located in urban and suburban settings 22,25–30 . In the limited research linking rural adolescents’ social support to their physical activity behavior, only the effect of peer support for PA has been noted 27,31 .…”

“…34 That social support was significantly related to youth activity outcomes also follows extant activity research located in urban and suburban settings. 22,[25][26][27][28][29][30] In the limited research linking rural adolescents' social support to their physical activity behavior, only the effect of peer support for PA has been noted. 27,31 Current findings indicate that the global measure of social support for exercise is also important to rural youth.…”

“…Several studies have identified a positive empirical relationship between children's and adolescents' self-efficacy and PA. [22][23][24] Similarly, social support and social influence for PA have demonstrated significant positive relationships with PA in empirical research. 22,[25][26][27][28][29][30] Finally, access to and availability of PA facilities have demonstrated moderate associations with recreational PA in children. Among rural youth, both self-efficacy and social support for PA have been positively associated with PA in rural youth.…”

Factors Associated with Physical Activity

“…Most researches to date suggest that the level of physical activity of girls is lower than that of boys (Higgins, Gaul, Gibbons, & Van Gyn, 2003;Muntner et al, 2005;Wu & Jwo, 2005;Raudsepp, 2006;Shi et al, 2006;Sherrick-Escamilla, 2007). The results of our research also indicate that male students show higher levels of physical activity with high and medium intensity and overall physical activity compared to female students.…”

Tobacco and alcohol use in the context of adolescent pregnancy and postpartum: a scoping review of the literature

“…An integrative review on substance use recommended that gender-specific interventions for girls address selfesteem, body image, depression and anxiety . Interestingly, girls who engage in regular physical activity hold a more positive sense of self, greater mood and psychological well-being, and experience less anxiety, depression and psychological stress than girls who are inactive (Higgins et al 2003). Eliciting information for bolstering physical activity in this population could be a novel, feasible and important aspect of a comprehensive intervention to reduce alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy/postpartum.…”