DETERMINANTS OF PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY AMONG FEMALE ADOLESCENTS

Introduction: Women, and particularly African-American women, may be l ess physically active than what is ideal. Knowledge of factors that in fluence physical activity is valuable information to those planning an d administering exercise promoting interventions. Methods: The associa tions of 25 variables with current global physical activity were asses sed via regression analysis. Eight hundred and fifty-two young women, 14-18 years of age, were sampled. Each completed a 7-day recall of phy sical activity and an 83-item survey. The sample was further subdivide d by ethnic group, and then ethnic group and age to ascertain whether determinants of physical activity differ across these groups. Results: Ethnic group (Caucasians more active) and age (younger more active) w ere significant influences on physical activity. Overall, nurture from biological fathers and participation in organized sports associated w ith physical activity. Viewing two or more hours of television per nig ht negatively influenced physical activity. Among African-American gir ls (n = 626), participation in organized sports, friend support, and n urture from biological fathers significantly associated with physical activity. However, following sports through the media negatively influ enced physical activity. Among Caucasians (n = 226), attitudes were th e sole significant correlate of physical activity. Conclusions: Those planning interventions targeting female adolescents should consider em ploying distinct strategies for specific ethnic group and age subgroup s. Opportunities for physicians to have an impact on the physical acti vity of female adolescents includes using their community standing to influence school policies and to counsel female patients individually during office visits.Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): exercise, adoles cence, ethnic groups, adolescent behavior, race.