Are Experiences of Discrimination Associated With Views of Physical Activity and Climate Policy Support in Canada?

Abstract

Social climate refers to the general feelings, norms, and opinions in a society and may be affected by experiences of discrimination. This study examined whether experiences of discrimination are associated with the social climate of physical (in)activity and support for policies addressing dual benefits of physical activity (PA) and climate change. Data from the 2023 Social Climate Survey were used (n = 1950; ≥18y). Adherence to PA guidelines, perceived importance of PA, social norms, and support for 8 policy actions addressing dual benefits were each regressed on experiences of discrimination. Experiencing discrimination was not associated with the importance of PA, causal attribution of physical inactivity (individual vs external), adherence to PA guidelines, or policy support addressing PA and climate change. However, experiencing discrimination was associated with social norms that are favorable to PA: seeing children playing actively outdoors (odds ratio [OR]: 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.06), perceiving that half of people their age meeting PA guidelines (OR: 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.06), agreeing with societal disapproval of physical inactivity (OR: 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.06), and having important people (eg,family/friends) meeting PA guidelines (OR: 1.10; 95% CI, 1.08-1.12). Unlike structural discrimination, interpersonal experiences of discrimination may not shape the perceived importance of and engagement in PA. However, experiencing discrimination may be associated with an individual's perceptions of their social environment, including how they observe and interpret the behaviors of others within their community. Generally strong support for policies addressing dual benefits, regardless of experiences with discrimination, aligns well with the planetary health agenda.