PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY PREFERENCES, PREFERRED SOURCES OF ASSISTANCE, AND PERCEIVED BARRIERS TO INCREASED ACTIVITY AMONG PHYSICALLY INACTIVE AUSTRALIANS

Background. Participation in regular moderate or vigorous physical act ivity substantially reduces risk for all-cause and cardiovascular-dise ase mortality and confers other health benefits. Efforts to decrease t he population prevalence of inactivity will have a greater impact if t hey are tailored to the needs and preferences of the community. Method s. In the Pilot Survey of the Fitness of Australians, a questionnaire was administered to a randomlyselected sample of 2,298 adults and incl uded questions on the preferred sources of assistance or support to be come physically active, preferred activities, and barriers to regular participation. The responses of those who were identified as insuffici ently physically active (n = 1,232; 53.6%) were examined for men and w omen separately and for those aged 18 to 39, 40 to 59, and 60 to 78 ye ars. Results. The most-preferred activity was walking (38 and 68% of t he youngest and oldest age groups, respectively). The most frequently cited barriers to more-regular participation in the youngest age group were insufficient time, lack of motivation and child care responsibil ities. Among those aged 60 to 78 years, injury or poor health were the most frequently cited barriers to activity. The most-preferred source of advice or assistance changed with age: more than 50% of the oldest age group wanted advice from a health professional (compared with 22% of the youngest group) and the opportunity to exercise with a group w as the most preferred source of support for the youngest age group. Co nclusions. The physical activity-related attributes of men and women a nd of younger and older age groups described in this study may be used to provide more relevant and appealing options for those who might ot herwise be missed by ''one-size-fits-all'' physical activity promotion strategies. (C) 1997 Academic Press.