Adolescents' perceptions of environmental influences on physical activity.
OBJECTIVE
To examine African American adolescents' perceptions of environmental influences on physical activity and identify physical activity promotion strategies.


METHODS
Concept mapping with 50 adolescents was used to obtain cluster maps of conceptual domains affecting physical activity.


RESULTS
Seven domains were identified, including physical activity settings, social support, negative social influences, parental control, negative environmental influences, transportation and technology issues, and financial issues. Their relative importance to physical activity varied by gender.


CONCLUSIONS
This research identified salient environmental characteristics that can be measured in future studies as well as strategies for increasing physical activity in urban youths.
Ries
Amy V
AV
Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, Brown Medical School/The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA. aries@lifespan.org
Voorhees
Carolyn C
CC
Gittelsohn
Joel
J
Roche
Kathleen M
KM
Astone
Nan M
NM
D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015142:Baltimore; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012931:Social Environment