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.
Résumé
Objectifs: Décrire les facteurs de prédisposition, d’incitation et de renforcement qui influencent les niveaux d’activité physique des jeunes Canadiens (12 à 24 ans).
Méthode: Par corrélation, analyse de la variance et régression, on a analysé les données sur les filles (n=6 195) et les garçons (n=5 925) canadiens de 12 à 24 ans publiées dans l’Enquête nationale sur la santé de la population (1996–1997), en effectuant des analyses ultérieures (Bonferroni) le cas échéant.
Résultats: Par rapport aux garçons, les filles canadiennes font moins d’activité physique, sont plus préoccupées par l’embonpoint et plus déprimées, et consultent plus souvent des professionnels de la santé mentale. Par contre, elles sont plus susceptibles que les garçons d’avoir un bon réseau de soutien social et une vie sociale remplie. Les fumeurs adolescents font proportionnellement moins d’activité physique et, comme ceux qui consomment de l’alcool, ont tendance à être en moins bonne santé.
Débat: Les importants facteurs de prédisposition, d’incitation et de renforcement qui influencent les niveaux d’activité physique des jeunes touchent plus particulièrement les filles. Ces résultats sont expliqués à la lumière des stratégies d’encouragement de l’activité physique décrites dans la documentation disponible. En plus de s’attacher aux différents déterminants de l’activité physique, on recommande de pousser la recherche sur les facteurs politiques et environnementaux qui pourraient être en cause.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Katzmarzyk PT, Gledhill N, Shephard RJ. The economic burden of physical inactivity in Canada. CMAJ 2000;163(11):1425–40.
Malina RM. Physical activity and fitness: Pathways from childhood to adulthood. Am J Human Biol 2001;13:162–72.
Allison KR, Adlaf EM. Structured opportunities for student physical activity in Ontario elementary and secondary schools. Can J Public Health 2000;91(5):371–75.
Craig CL, Cameron C, Russell SJ, Beaulieu A. Increasing Physical Activity: Supporting Children’s Participation. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, 2001.
Crespo C, Keteyian S, Heath G, Sempos S. Leisure-time physical activity among US adults. Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Arch Intern Med 1996;156:93–98.
Mummery WK, Spence JC, Hudec JC. Understanding physical activity intention in Canadian school children and youth: An application of the theory of planned behavior. Res Q Exerc Sport 2000;71(2):116–24.
Green LW, Kreuter MW. Health Promotion Planning, an Educational and Ecological Approach. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield, 1999.
Welk G. The youth physical activity promotion model: A conceptual bridge between theory and practice. Quest 1999;51:5–23.
Bungum T, Dowda M, Weston A, Trost SG, Pate R. Correlates of physical activity in male and female youth. Ped Exerc Sci 2000;12:71–79.
Fox K. Motivating children for physical activity: Towards a healthier future. J Physical Education, Recreation and Dance 1991;62(7):34–38.
Baker EA, Brennan LK, Brownson R, Houseman RA. Measuring the determinants of physical activity in the community: Current and future directions. Res Q Exerc Sport 2000;71(2):146–58.
Trost SG, Pate RR, Saunders R, Ward DS, Dowda M, Fulton G. A prospective study of the determinants of physical activity in rural fifth-grade children. Prev Med 1997;26:257–63.
Kimiecik JC, Horn TS. Parental beliefs and children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Res Q Exerc Sport 1998;67(2):163–75.
Brustad RJ. Attraction to physical activity in urban school children: Parental socialization and gender influences. Res Q Exerc Sport 1996;67(3):316–23.
Statistics Canada. NPHS Public Use Microdata Documentation. National Population Health Survey, 1995.
Baron RM, Kenny DA. The moderator-mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: Conceptual, strategic and statistical considerations. J Personality and Social Psychology 1986;51:1173–82.
Best JA. Intervention perspectives on school health promotion research. Health Educ Q 1989;16:299–306.
Bertera RL. Planning and implementing health promotion in the workplace: A case study of the Du Pont Company experience. Health Educ Q 1990;17:307–27.
Calfas KJ, Taylor WC. Effects of physical activity on psychological variables in adolescents. Ped Exerc Sci 1994;6:406–23.
Dyck L. Psychosocial health and well-being. In: Reid C, Dyck L, McKay H, Frisby W (Eds.), The Health Benefits of Physical Activity for Girls and Women. Vancouver, BC: Centre for Excellence in Women’s Health, 2000;23–59.
Wiese-Bjornstal D. Section II: Psychological dimensions. In: The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sport Report Physical Activity and Sport in the Lives of Girls. Washington, DC: President’s Council, 1997;49–69.
Chen J, Millar WJ. Health effects of physical activity. Statistics Canada. Health Reports 1999;11(1):21–30.
Koniak-Griffin D. Aerobic exercise, psychological well-being, and physical discomforts during adolescent pregnancy. Research in Nursing and Health 1994;17:253–63.
Bunker LK. Psycho-physiological contributions of physical activity and sports for girls. President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Research Digest 1998;3(1):1–7.
Singer RS. Physical activity and psychological benefits: A position statement of the International Society of Sport Psychology. Sports Psychologist 1992;6:199–203.
Landers DM, Petruzello SJ. Physical activity, fitness and anxiety. In: Bouchard C, Shepard RJ, Stephens T (Eds.), Physical Activity Fitness and Health. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 1994;868–82.
Biddle S. Exercise and psychosocial health. Res Q Exerc Sport 1995;66(4):292–97.
Brown DR, Croft JB, Anda RF, Barrett DH, Escobedo LG. Evaluation of smoking on the physical activity and depressive symptoms relationship. Med Sci Sport Exerc 1996;21:233–40.
Dunn AL, Madhukar HT, O’Neal HA. Physical activity dose-response effects on outcomes of depression and anxiety. Med Sci Sport Exerc 2001;33(6):S587–97.
Physical Activity and Sport in the Lives of Girls. The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Report: Physical and mental health dimensions from an interdisciplinary approach. The Center for Research on Girls and Women in Sport, University of Minnesota, 1997.
Sale C, Guppy A, El-Sayed M. Individual differences, exercise and leisure activity in predicting affective well-being in young adults. Ergonomics 2000;43(10):1689–98.
McCabe M, Ricciardelli LA, Banfield S. Body image, strategies to change muscles and weight, and puberty. Do they impact on positive and negative affect among adolescent boys and girls? Eating Behaviors 2001;2:129–49.
Wankel L, Sefton JM. Physical activity and other lifestyle behaviors. In: Bouchard C, Shepard RJ, Stephens T (Eds.), Physical Activity, Fitness and Health. International Proceedings and Consensus Statement. Windsor, ON: Human Kinetics, 1994;530–50.
Montepelare E, Yardley J, Kanters M. Relationship Between Recreation/Leisure Behaviours and Substance Use. Toronto, ON: Canadian Parks and Recreation Federation of Ontario, 1993.
Crocker P, Kowalski N, Kowalski K, Chad K, Humbert L, Forrester S. Smoking behavior and dietary restraint in young adolescent women: The role of physical self-perceptions. Can J Public Health 2001;92(6):428–32.
Winnail SD, Valois RF, McKeown RE, Saunders RP, Pate RR. Relationship between physical activity level and cigarette, smokeless tobacco, and marijuana use among public high school students. J School Health 1995;65(10):438–42.
Page RM, Hammermeister J, Scanlan A, Gilbert L. Is school sports participation a protective factor against adolescent health risk behaviors? J Health Educ 1998;29(3):186–92.
Beauvais C. Literature Review on Learning Through Recreation. CPRN Discussion Paper No. F/15, 2001. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Policy Research Networks.
Rainey C, McKeown RE, Sargent RG, Valois RF. Patterns of tobacco and alcohol use among sedentary, exercising, nonathletic and athletic youth. J School Health 1996;66(1):27–32.
Escobedo LG, Marcus SE, Holtzman D, Giovino GA. Sport participation, age at smoking initiation, and the risk of smoking among US high school students. JAMA 1993;269:1391–95.
Pate RR, Heath GW, Dowda M, Trost SG. Associations between physical activity and other health behaviors in a representative sample of US adolescents. Am J Public Health 1996;86(11):1577–81.
Aaron D, Dearwater SR, Anderson R, Olsen T, Kriska AM, Laporte RE. Physical activity and the initiation of high-risk health behaviors in adolescents. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1995;27(12):1639–45.
Trudeau F, Laurencelle L, Tremblay J, Rajic M, Shephard RJ. Daily primary school physical education: Effects on physical activity during adult life. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1999;31(1):111–17.
Pederson LL, Bull SB, Ashley MJ, MacDonald JK. Quitting smoking: Why, how and what might help. Tobacco Control 1996;5(3):209–14.
Dryfoos JG. Adolescents at Risk: Prevalence and Prevention. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 1990;56–57.
Bailey SL. Adolescents’ multisubstance use patterns: The role of heavy alcohol and cigarette use. Am J Public Health 1992;82:1220–24.
Fleming R, Leventhal H, Glynn K, Ershler J. The role of cigarettes in the initiation and progression of early substance abuse. Addict Behav 1989;14:261–72.
Faulkner RA, Slattery CM. The relationship of physical activity to alcohol consumption in youth 15–16 years of age. Can J Public Health 1990;81:168–69.
Miller KE, Sabo DF, Melnick MJ, Farrell MP, Barnes GM. The Women’s Sports Foundation Report: Health Risks and the Teen Athlete. East Meadow, NY: Women’s Sports Foundation, 2000.
Richardson M, Nagy S. Sport participation and alcohol consumption in adolescents: Consideration of age, gender, and ethnicity. Res Q Exerc Sport 1997;68(1):A48.
Sallis JF, Owen N. Physical Activity and Behavioral Medicine. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 1999.
Sallis JF, Hovell MF, Hofstetter CR. Predictors of adoption and maintenance of vigorous physical activity in men and women. Prev Med 1992;21:237–51.
Booth ML, Bauman A, Owen N, Jay GC. Physical activity preference, preferred sources of assistance, and perceived barriers to increased activity among physically inactive Australians. Prev Med 1997;26:131–37.
Eyler AA, Brownson RC, Donatelle RJ, King AC, Brown D, Sallis JF. Physical activity social support and middle-and-older aged minority women: Results from a US survey. Soc Sci Med 1999;49:781–89.
Anderssen N, Wold B. Parental and peer influences on leisure-time physical activity in young adolescents. Res Q Exerc Sport 1992;63(4):341–48.
Kremarik F. A family affair: Children’s participation in sports. Can Social Trends. Statistics Canada, 2000. Catalogue No. 11-008:20-24.
Sallis JF, Prochaska JJ, Taylor WC. A review of correlates of physical activity of children and adolescents. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2000;32(5):963–75.
Okun MA, Karoly P, Lutz R. Clarifying the contribution of subjective norm to predicting leisure-time exercise. Am J Health Behav 2002;26(4):296–305.
Sallis JF, Prochaska JJ, Taylor WC, Hill JO, Geraci JC. Correlates of physical activity in a national sample of girls and boys in grades 4 through 12. Health Psychol 1999;18(4):410–15.
Laker A. Beyond the Boundaries of Physical Education: Educating Young People for Citizenship and Social Responsibility. London: Routledge/Falmer, 2000.
Harvey J. The Role of Sport and Recreation Policy in Fostering Citizenship: The Canadian Experience. Ottawa: Canadian Policy Research Networks, Inc., 2001. Available online at: www.cprn.org.
Putnam RD. Bowling Alone, The Collapse and Revival of American Community. NY: Simon and Schuster, 2000.
Altman DG, Geigher E, Robinson TN, Haydel KF, Strausberg L, Lorig K, Killen JD. Psychosocial factors associated with youth involvement in community activities promoting heart health. Health Educ Behav 1998;25(4):489–500.
McCreary Centre Society. Healthy Connections: Listening to BC Youth. Vancouver, BC, 1999.
Trends in the Health of Canadian Youth. Ottawa: Health Canada, 2000. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hppb/childhood-youth/spsc/e_trends.html
Gillies P. Effectiveness of alliances and partnerships for health promotion. Health Prom Int 1998;13(2):99–120.
CFLRI. Physical Activity Monitor. 1999. http://www.cflri.ca/cflri/pa/surveys/99survey/99survey.html
Mitchell SA, Olds RS. Psychological and perceived situational predictors of physical activity: A cross-sectional analysis. Health Educ Res 1999;14:305–13.
Wen LM, Thomas M, Jones H, Orr N, Moreton R, King L, et al. Promoting physical activity in women: Evaluation of a 2-year community-based intervention in Sydney, Australia. Health Prom Int 2002;17(2):127–37.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Increasing physical activity: A report on recommendations of the Task Force on Community Preventive Services. Mortality-Morbidity Weekly Report 2001;50:1–14.
King L, Hawe P, Corne S. What is local government’s capacity for partnership in promoting physical activity? A case study. Health Prom J Australia 1999;9:39–43.
Cohen J, Cohen P. Applied Multiple Regression/Correlation Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences, 2nd ed. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1983.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Higgins, J.W., Gaul, C., Gibbons, S. et al. Factors Influencing Physical Activity Levels Among Canadian Youth. Can J Public Health 94, 45–51 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03405052
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03405052