Young people's perceptions and experiences of physical activity in Apia, Samoa

Physical inactivity is one of the main risk factors contributing to the prevalence of lifestyle diseases in Samoa. Lifestyle diseases are now the major causes of death in this Pacific island. As part of a Master's thesis in Sport and Leisure Studies, a study was carried out in Apia, Samoa, 2007 to investigate perceptions and experiences of physical activity at five secondary schools and a tertiary institution. A total of 801 respondents aged 13-50 years were surveyed. The survey data were analysed to explore the respondents' perceptions about physical activity and health, perspectives about barriers that stopped them from being active and sources of encouragement for being active. Most respondents reported a positive attitude towards physical activity and indicated that physical activity was important to improve health, get fitter and lose weight. Although, many respondents believed they were physically active, they did not meet the recommended national physical activity guidelines. Respondents reported a number of barriers to physical activity such as cultural, environmental and discomfort factors. More than half of them wanted to be more active and almost 56% wanted to lose weight, but need help and encouragement from friends and community. A coordinated response engaging all health sector partners is recommended to improve physical activity in the community. Such efforts would ensure that everyone accepts the responsibility of preventing and controlling the prevalence of lifestyle diseases.