Exercise and nutrition: What adolescents think is important

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine adolescents' experienc es with health promotion, particularly physical activity and eating pattern s. Adolescents' reported experiences were triangulated with measures of phy sical activity and food frequency to assess congruence with goals of Health y People 2000 (published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Welfare in 1995). Fifteen ethnically and racially diverse adolescents, ages 10 to 18, were interviewed in an adolescent primary care clinic or in their homes . Interviews were transcribed and coded line-byline for themes apparent in the data. Major themes were compared and contrasted with previous research as a guide for developmentally appropriate health promotion interventions. Copyright (C) 1999 by WB. Saunders Company.