Devine, Susan G., Buettner, Petra G., and Mummery, Kerry (2009) Correlates of adult physical activity participation in the tropics. Journal of Rural and Tropical Public Health, 8. pp. 30-37.

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Abstract

Background: Understanding socio-environmental correlates of physical activity is important for future planning of health promotion actions to address physical inactivity however there are limited studies that specifically focus on populations living in a tropical environment.

Methods: A mailed questionnaire assessing self-report measures of physical activity, barriers, perception of the physical and social environment, self efficacy and social support was administered to 1,930 neighbourhood residents (response rate 22%) in a tropical regional centre in Australia in 2004.

Results: Almost 67% (95% confidence interval = [62.3, 71.3]) of respondents were sufficiently active for health. Respondents who were sufficiently active for health were more likely to score high on the self-efficacy (p<0.001) and on the social support (p=0.002) scores. Respondents who were sufficiently active for health were more likely to be self-motivated (p=0.010), could be active even when they are tired (p=0.001), have family support to be active (p=0.003), and perceive their neighbourhood as safe for walking (p=0.031).

Conclusions: Social variables were more strongly associated with physical activity behaviour than environmental factors.

Item ID:	5334
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1832-2921
Keywords:	health promotion frameworks, occupational health and safety, action research, workplace settings, physical activity, environment, barriers, tropics
Date Deposited:	01 Oct 2009 00:54
FoR Codes:	11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111712 Health Promotion @ 100%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920499 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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