Variability in Weight Concern and Physical Activity Engagement Among African American Adolescent Girls.

Abstract

Lower rates of recreational physical activity (PA) among African American (AA) adolescent girls relative to other US age/race/gender groups are assumed to reflect within-race similarity in PA attitudes and practices. However, variability in PA attitudes and practices among AA adolescent girls is not well studied. To address this, a class-diverse sample of 51 AA adolescent girls' responses to survey items querying weight concern (WC) and PA was examined for sub-groupings using cluster analysis. Three clusters were identified [L/H-low WC, high PA; H/L-high WC, low PA; and L/L-low WC and PA]. Survey item response means were examined by cluster. L/L differed visibly, but not significantly, from L/H and H/L on items assessing PA engagement. The same was true for H/L with WC items. Cluster identification and trends in response differences by cluster have potential implications for targeted PA promotion efforts. Further investigation with larger, representative samples is warranted.