Objective: This study examined factors associated with two outcomes: initiating and maintaining physical activity during leisure-time. Data: The analyses were based on longitudinal data from the first three cycles of the National Population Health Survey, conducted by Statistics Canada in 1994/95, 1996/97 and 1998/99. The response rate for the entire longitudinal panel was 88.9%. The sub-sample used for the analyses consisted of 11,026 respondents aged 20 or older in 1994/95 (6,869 were inactive and 4,157 were at least moderately active). Method: Separate multiple logistic regression models were used to identify variables that independently predicted adoption and maintenance of at least moderate level of physical activity. The variables included in the analyses were: age, sex, education, marital status, household type, health status, body mass index, smoking, sense of mastery, social involvement, and chronic stress. Because of the complex survey design, bootstrap procedure was used to provide unbiased estimates of the standard errors of the regression coefficients. Results: About 24% of people aged 20 or older who had been inactive in 1994/95 had become at least moderately active in their leisure-time at follow-up. Over the same period, 68% of adults who had been at least moderately active remained so at follow-up. Common predictors of initiating and maintaining activity for both sexes combined were sex, age, educational attainment, smoking, and sense of mastery. However, some factors were significant for only one sex. Conclusion: Effective intervention implies understanding the environmental, social and psychological impediments to the adoption and maintenance of an active lifestyle.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to identify factors influencing changes in physical activity.
Keywords: Physical Activity,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Statistics Canada
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.