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Determinants of adolescent physical activity and inactivity patterns
P Gordon-Larsen1, R G McMurray, B M Popkin
1Carolina Population Center, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27516-3997, USA. gordon_larsen@unc.edu
Pediatrics
|June 2, 2000
Summary
Environmental and sociodemographic factors significantly influence adolescent physical activity. School physical education and community recreation programs increase activity, while higher socioeconomic status and maternal education are linked to healthier activity patterns.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Environmental determinants significantly impact adolescent physical activity, yet empirical research is limited.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective, society-level interventions to promote physical activity and reduce inactivity among youth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate environmental and sociodemographic determinants of physical activity and inactivity patterns in US adolescents.
- To identify modifiable environmental factors that can inform public health strategies for increasing adolescent physical activity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized nationally representative data from the 1996 National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N=17,766).
- Assessed moderate to vigorous physical activity and inactivity (TV, video/computer games) via questionnaires.
- Employed logistic regression to analyze associations between sociodemographic/environmental factors and activity patterns, examining sex and ethnic interactions.
Main Results:
- Non-Hispanic black and Hispanic adolescents exhibited lower physical activity and higher inactivity.
- Participation in daily school physical education (PE) and community recreation centers correlated with increased physical activity.
- Higher maternal education and family income were associated with reduced inactivity, while high neighborhood crime was linked to decreased physical activity.
Conclusions:
- Modifiable environmental factors, particularly school PE and community recreation programs, show significant associations with adolescent activity patterns.
- Despite the positive impact of school PE, participation rates remain low among US adolescents.
- Findings highlight the potential for environmental interventions to improve adolescent physical activity and decrease sedentary behaviors.