Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity in Nova Scotia Youth: Implications for Health Promotion Messages

Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity in Nova Scotia Youth: Implications for Health Promotion Messages

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTIONS: CULTURAL ISSUES IN WEIGHT MANAGEMENT TITLE: PERCEIVED BARRIERS TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN NOVA SCOTIA YOUTH...

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTIONS: CULTURAL ISSUES IN WEIGHT MANAGEMENT TITLE: PERCEIVED BARRIERS TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN NOVA SCOTIA YOUTH: IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH PROMOTION MESSAGES AUTHOR(S): L.A. Wadsworth, PhD, PDt, FDC; M.H.Arthur, MSc; L.A.Rehman, PhD; A.M.Thompson, PhD; Department of Human Nutrition, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS; Nova Scotia Health Promotion, Halifax, NS; School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS; Department of Human Kinetics, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS LEARNING OUTCOME: to understand the use of barriers to physical activity perceived by children and youth in health promotion message development for community programs. TEXT: Physical activity (PA) has important health benefits for children and youth, including prevention of overweight and obesity. Childhood inactivity tracks into adulthood and may lead to adult obesity. Intervention strategies require identification of significant correlates of PA and collaboration with key stakeholders. As part of a larger health surveillance project, this study used Social Cognitive Theory to examine perceived barriers and self-efficacy to PA for Nova Scotia youth. Survey data from 1,643 students from grades 3 (n⫽563), 7 (n⫽557) and 11 (n⫽521) were analyzed according to grade, sex, and objectively measured PA. No difference in PA levels for BMI was found across grades and sexes. “Don’t have a place to be active” (grade 3), “feeling tired”, “feeling embarrassed in front of others” (grade 7), and “schoolwork takes too much time” (grade 11) were reported significantly more frequently by youth not meeting the study PA criteria. Weight control was a significant motivation for PA for grade 7 and 11 girls, while grade 11 boys reported more concern about injury during PA. Future health messages need to challenge the belief that PA is done in a specific place, while stressing the importance that it is part of daily life. A focus on improving comfort level of young women during PA and sense of safety for young men should also be included. FUNDING DISCLOSURE: Government of Nova Scotia and Health Canada

Journal of the AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION / A-41