title: Physical activity in England: who is meeting the recommended level of participation through sports and exercise?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Little is known about the correlates of meeting recommended levels of participation in physical activity (PA) and how this understanding informs public health policies on behaviour change.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To analyse who meets the recommended level of participation in PA in males and females separately by applying 'process' modelling frameworks (single vs. sequential 2-step process).
  
  
  METHODS
  Using the Health Survey for England 2006, (n = 14 142; ≥ 16 years), gender-specific regression models were estimated using bivariate probit with selectivity correction and single probit models. A 'sequential, 2-step process' modelled participation and meeting the recommended level separately, whereas the 'single process' considered both participation and level together.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In females, meeting the recommended level was associated with degree holders [Marginal effect (ME) = 0.013] and age (ME = -0.001), whereas in males, age was a significant correlate (ME = -0.003 to -0.004). The order of importance of correlates was similar across genders, with ethnicity being the most important correlate in both males (ME = -0.060) and females (ME = -0.133). In females, the 'sequential, 2-step process' performed better (ρ = -0.364, P < 0.001) than that in males (ρ = 0.154).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The degree to which people undertake the recommended level of PA through vigorous activity varies between males and females, and the process that best predicts such decisions, i.e. whether it is a sequential, 2-step process or a single-step choice, is also different for males and females. Understanding this should help to identify subgroups that are less likely to meet the recommended level of PA (and hence more likely to benefit from any PA promotion intervention).
authors.affiliation: Health Economics Research Group, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UK. Nana.Anokye@brunel.ac.uk
authors.forename: Nana Kwame
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Anokye
authors.forename: Subhash
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pokhrel
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Buxton
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fox-Rushby
mesh_terms: D015992:Body Mass Index; D003256:Community Participation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D004739:England; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017059:Models, Econometric; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013177:Sports / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013997:Time Factors