The importance of the social environment for physically active lifestyle -results from an international study

Physically active lifestyles are regularly associated with improved health and quality of life. Differences in lifestyles in society can partly be und erstood through the differences in the social and physical environment. Thi s study examines the relationships between reported physical activity, and the extent of perceived support for physical activity in the physical and p olicy environment (e.g. facilities, programmes and other opportunities), an d in the social environment. The data for the study come from a cross-cultural health policy study calle d MAREPS, In total 3342 adults, 18 years or older, from six countries (Belg ium, Finland, Germany, The Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland) were interviewe d via telephone. Respondents were categorised as active or inactive accordi ng to self-reported physical activity. Social environmental factors and phy sical and policy environmental factors were also assessed. The analysis of the data was informed by social cognitive theory, although the study was no t originally designed for this purpose. Sixty-eight percent of females and 70% of males were active. The proportion s of active and inactive varied by countries to a great extent. The stronge st independent predictor of being physically active was social environment. Those who perceived low social support from their personal environment (i. e. family, friends, school and workplace) were more than twice as likely to be sedentary compared to those who reported high social support from their personal environment. Specific knowledge of the programmes and actions for physical activity and sport was also a strong predictor of being active. A supportive physical and policy environment was not associated with partici pation in physical activity as strongly as had been anticipated. The variat ion between countries was stronger predictor of being active than the physi cal and policy environment variables, This study generates the hypotheses and raises the questions that in a prel iminary way, there appears to be some relationships between aspects of phys ical and social environment and physical activity participation. However, f uture research is needed to refine and clarify this. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.