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Physical Activity Attitudes, Preferences, and Practices in African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian Girls

University of Maryland, Baltimore

Maihan B. Vu, DrPH, MPH

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Ariane L. Bedimo-Rung, PhD, MPH

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans

Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, PhD, MPH

University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

Jamie Moody, MS

San Diego State University

Deborah Rohm Young, PhD

University of Maryland, College Park

Stacey G. Moe, MPH

University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

Physical activity levels in girls decline dramatically during adolescence, most profoundly among minorities. To explore ethnic and racial variation in attitudes toward physical activity, semistructured interviews (n = 80) and physical activity checklists (n = 130) are conducted with African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian middle school girls in six locations across the United States. Girls from all groups have similar perceptions of the benefits of physical activity, with staying in shape as the most important. Girls have similar negative perceptions of physical activity, including getting hurt, sweating, aggressive players, and embarrassment. Chores, running or jogging, exercises, and dance are common activities for girls regardless of ethnicity. Basketball, swimming, running, and dance are commonly cited favorite activities, although there are slight differences between ethnic groups. The results suggest that factors other than ethnicity contribute to girls’ physical activity preferences and that distinct interventions may not be needed for each ethnic group.

Key Words: physical activity • adolescent girls • ethnic variation • qualitative • African American girls • Hispanic girls • Caucasian girls

Health Education & Behavior, Vol. 33, No. 1, 40-51 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/1090198105282416


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