QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF ATTITUDES TOWARD PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN AFRICAN AMERICAN, HISPANIC, AND CAUCASIAN GIRLS

Abstract

Physical activity levels in girls decline dramatically during adolescence, most profoundly among minorities. PURPOSE To explore ethnic/racial variation in attitudes toward physical activity among middle school girls to inform intervention development. METHODS In-depth interviews (n=80), focus groups (n=12), and activity checklists (n=129) were conducted with African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian middle school girls in six locations across the U.S. RESULTS Girls from all groups cited social and physical benefits to physical activity. Social influences from family, friends, and boys were important in encouraging and discouraging physical activity. More African American and Hispanic girls reported that their families were barriers to physical activity than Caucasian girls. Favorite activities also differed by ethnicity/race. Basketball and running were the most frequently cited favorite activities by African American girls. Swimming was the favorite activity for Hispanic and Caucasian girls. Compared with Caucasian girls, Hispanic and African American girls more frequently cited dance as a favorite activity. CONCLUSION While social influences on physical activity were similar among girls in all groups, there were ethnic/racial differences in barriers to physical activity and favorite physical activities. These results suggest the need to consider these similarities and differences when developing physical activity interventions for adolescent girls. Supported by NHLBI grant U01HL66857