Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #102175

Rita DiGioacchino DeBate, PhD, MPH, CHES, Community and Environmental Health, Old Dominion University, 104 C Spong Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529, Yan Zhang, PhD, Urban Health Services, College of Health Science, Old Dominion University, 3565 Norland Court, Norfolk, VA 23513, 757-233-9973, yxzhang@odu.edu, and Ann Marie Kopitzke, MPA, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, 129 Spong Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore motivations for physically active among girls aged 8-11.

Methods: Using a non-experimental pretest/posttest study design, data was collected from 361 participants of a curriculum based physical activity program. Based upon constructs of the Social Cognitive Theory, the program included topics such as healthy eating, self-esteem, body image, communication, benefit of healthy eating and physical activity. The mean age of participant was 10.7±1.2 years old, and the majority of the participants reported themselves as Caucasian (80.5%). Analysis included descriptive analysis in addition to paired-sample t tests and Pearson Correlations. Item analysis was used for each item in the survey. Logistic regression was employed to explore the mediators that influences girls' motivation to be more physical active.

Results: Prior to participating in the program, mediators for motivation to be physically active included perceived positive physical effects (OR=2.7), and weight loss (OR=1.3). Post program mediators for motivation to be physically active included perceived positive health effects (OR=2.1), development of healthy eating behaviors (OR=1.4), and opportunity for friendship (OR=1.6).

Discussion: Results of this study indicate motivation to become physically active changed from a weight-centered focus to a health and social-centered focus. As society encourages our children to become more physically active, prevention specialists must provide programs that address healthy and unhealthy motivations for physical activity. Findings suggest that the 12-week curriculum-based program implemented in this study may provide the framework for the development of healthy motivations to become physically active.

Learning Objectives: