PREVALENCE OF STAGES OF CHANGE FOR PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY IN RURAL, SUBURBAN AND INNER-CITY COMMUNITIES

This study documented the differing prevalence rates for stages of cha nge for physical activity across rural, suburban and inner city commun ities using survey methods and controlling for education, gender and d isease status. Respondents (n = 4768) were participants in the baselin e survey for the evaluation of the Quebec Heart Health Demonstration P roject, a health promotion program implemented in various communities throughout the province of Quebec. A total of 2639 female and 2087 mal e parents answered a questionnaire they received from their grade 4 to grade 6 children. The questionnaire dealt with demographic informatio n, health-related behaviors, and intentions for these behaviors. The r esponse rates were 90%, 77% and 70% in the rural, suburban and inner c ity communities respectively. Results showed that prevalence rates dif fered significantly between communities with rural communities having the highest rates of readiness for physical activity in comparison to suburban and inner city communities. These findings suggest that above and beyond individual difference variables, structural components suc h as type of community are related to people's readiness for physical activity involvement.