title: Sociodemographic factors associated with self-reported exercise and physical activity behaviors and attitudes of South Australians: results of a population-based survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine self-reported physical activity barriers, behaviors, and beliefs about exercise of a representative sample and to identify associated sociodemographic factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Face-to-face interviews conducted between September and December 2008, using a random stratified sampling technique.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Barriers injury and illness were associated with being older, single, and not engaged in full-time work; lack of time was associated with being married, younger, female, and working full-time; and lack of motivation and cost were associated with being younger than 65 years. Advancing age was significantly associated (p < .001) with reduced physical activity. Factors including age, education, marital status, and area of residence were all associated with preferences for environment to exercise in, while all age groups (74%) felt that walking was the most important type of exercise for older adults.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A better understanding of these factors may improve uptake of and adherence to exercise programs across the ages.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation and Aged Care, Repatriation General Hospital, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia. susie.thomas@health.sa.gov.au
authors.forename: Susie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Halbert
authors.forename: Shylie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mackintosh
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Quinn
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Crotty
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D057566:Self Report; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013021:South Australia; D055815:Young Adult