The use of surveillance data and market research to promote physical activity.
Using various types of data sources for assessing and monitoring physical activity behaviors on a population level adds to our ability to explain the relationships between individuals and their surrounding social and physical environments. This article presents the findings from part of a panel presentation on available data sets at the 2001 Cooper Conference on Innovative Approaches to Understanding and Influencing Physical Activity. First, an overview of large national epidemiologic and surveillance data sets is offered, followed by a discussion on the use of market segmentation data to complement more traditional sources of data by adding new dimensions to our understanding of target groups and potential intervention strategies. The relative advantages and disadvantages of using each type of data are also given, as well as recommendations for further use.
Fridinger
Fred
F
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, School of Public Health, 76107-2699, USA. ffridinger@hsc.unt.edu
Macera
Carol
C
Cordell
H Ken
HK
D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008389:Marketing of Health Services; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States