Prevalence and correlates of physical activity behaviors among elementary schoolchildren in multiethnic, low income, inner-city neighborhoods in Montreal, Canada

PURPOSE: To describe the prevalence and correlates of physical inactivity a nd of participation in organized sports at and outside school among element ary schoolchildren in multiethnic, low income, urban neighborhoods in Montr eal, Canada. METHODS: As part of the evaluation of a school-based heart health promotion program, baseline data on physical activity behaviors and potential correl ates of these behaviors, were collected from 2285 students aged 9-13 in all 130 grade 4 to 6 classes in 24 inner-city elementary schools from May to J une 1993. RESULTS: One-fifth of boys (20.5%) and 24.4% of girls were inactive; 40.0% and 33.3% of boys and girls respectively, participated in school sports tea ms; 82.5% and 74.7% participated in organized sports outside school, Declin es in activity levels with age were apparent in both genders. Children who participated in organized sports programs at and outside school, those with higher perceived self-efficacy for physical activity, and those with more parental support for engaging in physical activity were more active. Childr en of As lan family origin were less active. Socioeconomic status was relat ed to participation in organized sports outside school. CONCLUSIONS: To reach children in socio-economically disadvantaged areas an d to prevent age-related declines in activity levels, interventions promoti ng physical activity should focus on increasing availability and access to community based organized sports programs at and outside school. Also they should include components to increase parental support and to improve perce ived self-efficacy for physical activity. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. Al l rights reserved.