Abstract
Reduced physical activity is particularly pronounced among lower income individuals and racial/ethnic minorities, and may be related to unsupportive neighborhood environments for physical activity. The purpose of this research was to conduct focus groups with low-income urban Black and Latino adolescents to identify whether these adolescents were physically active, in what settings, and what features of the settings were important for encouraging their physical activity. Results suggest potential gender differences, but little difference across race/ethnicity. Results can inform the development of a park/physical activity setting characteristics survey to help improve conditions of parks.
Highlights
Recent evidence by Ogden, Carroll, Kit, & Flegal (2012) shows that nearly one-third ofU.S youth are overweight or obese
Almost two-thirds (N=22) of the adolescents stated they were involved in organized sports programs either offered through their school, a local non-profit after school program, or through the park district
They stated these activities were their primary sources of weekly physical activity outside of school, and that these programs were held at their school, local parks or through local non-profit after school programs
Summary
Recent evidence by Ogden, Carroll, Kit, & Flegal (2012) shows that nearly one-third ofU.S youth are overweight or obese. Recent evidence shows that 6 to year old children engage in twice as much physical activity as to year olds, with 12 to year old Latinos being the least active in comparison to white and black adolescents; this decline in physical activity continues into adulthood (Belcher et al, 2010). Lower-income youth participate less in physical activity (Crespo, Ainsworth, Keteyian, Health, & Smit, 1999). These findings stress the need to improve the physical activity behavior of adolescents so that they may carry these healthier habits into adulthood. Given the identified physical activity differences and the greater risk of obesity in these sub-groups, it is important to recognize what physical activity settings, activities, and programs are important for these subgroups, and available and accessible to them
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