Pre-Admission Patterns of Physical Activity in a Sample of Female Juvenile Detainees

Abstract

1788 PURPOSE: The physical health benefits of regular physical activity have been consistently demonstrated in the literature. This study explores the pre-admission patterns of physical activity in a sample of female juvenile detainees and compares them to the 2001 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) sample of female high school students. METHODS: As part of a larger study, we surveyed 149 detained females ages 14–18 years old. Subjects were administered a 50-minute, anonymous questionnaire. This paper focuses on 11 items measuring sociodemographics; detention specific-information; and participation in vigorous physical activity, moderate physical activity, strengthening exercises, and participation on sports teams. RESULTS: White female detainees were significantly less likely than white female students to report sufficient vigorous physical activity (45.3% vs. 58.1%, p = 0.038) and sports team participation (25.0% vs. 53.2%, p<0.001).). White female detainees were more likely to engage in sufficient moderate physical activity (40.6% vs. 25.1%, p = 0.004). No significant differences between white female detainees and white female students were found in the prevalence of reported no vigorous or moderate physical activity (10.9% vs. 10.3%, p = 0.867) or strengthening exercises (45.3% vs. 44.4%, p = 0.883). Black female detainees were significantly more likely than black female students to report sufficient moderate physical activity (31.8% vs. 16.3%, p<0.001) and no vigorous or moderate physical activity (27.1% vs. 18.4%, p = 0.039). No significant differences were found in the prevalence of reported sufficient vigorous physical activity (45.9% vs. 43.9%, p = 0.713), strengthening exercises (28.6% vs. 30.7%, p = 0.672) or sports team participation (47.1% vs. 41.0%, p = 0.256) for black female detainees compared to black female students. CONCLUSIONS: Detained females engaged in more moderate physical activity than students and were closer to meeting the Healthy People 2010 target of 35 % of adolescents engaging in moderate physical activity than YRBS students. Both detained and non-detained females need to increase vigorous physical activity to reach Healthy People 2010's target of 85 % of youth engaging in vigorous physical activity. Racial/ethnic differences found across levels of intensity (vigorous or moderate physical activity) and type of participation (i.e., sports team participation), suggest different mechanisms may be at work between groups.