Biological and Sociocultural Differences in Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity Among Fifth- to Seventh-Grade Urban Girls.
BACKGROUND
Inadequate physical activity (PA) contributes to the high prevalence of overweight and obesity among U.S. adolescent girls. Barriers preventing adolescent girls from meeting PA guidelines have not been thoroughly examined.


OBJECTIVE
The threefold purpose of this study was to (a) determine pubertal stage, racial/ethnic, and socioeconomic status (SES) differences in ratings of interference of barriers to PA; (b) examine relationships between perceived barriers and age, body mass index, recreational screen time, sedentary activity, and PA; and (c) identify girls' top-rated perceived barriers to PA.


METHODS
Girls (N = 509) from eight Midwestern U.S. schools participated. Demographic, pubertal stage, perceived barriers, and recreational screen time data were collected via surveys. Height and weight were measured. Accelerometers measured sedentary activity, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and light plus MVPA.


RESULTS
Girls of low SES reported greater interference of perceived barriers to PA than those who were not of low SES (1.16 vs. 0.97, p = .01). Girls in early/middle puberty had lower perceived barriers than those in late puberty (1.03 vs. 1.24, p < .001). Girls' perceived barriers were negatively related to MVPA (r = -.10, p = .03) and light plus MVPA (r = -.11, p = .02). Girls' top five perceived barriers included lack of skills, hating to sweat, difficulty finding programs, being tired, and having pain.


CONCLUSIONS
Innovative interventions, particularly focusing on skill development, are needed to assist girls in overcoming their perceived barriers to PA.
Amber L. Vermeesch, PhD, MSN, RN, FNP-C, is Associate Professor of Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Portland, Oregon. Jiying Ling, PhD, MS, RN, is Assistant Professor of Nursing; and Vicki R.Voskuil, MS, RN, CPNP, is Doctoral Candidate, College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing. Marion Bakhoya, BS, is Former MS Kinesiology Student, Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing. Stacey M. Wesolek, MS, is Project Manager; and Kelly A. Bourne, MS, is Measurement Coordinator, College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing. Karin A. Pfeiffer, PhD, is Associate Professor of Kinesiology, Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing. Lorraine B. Robbins, PhD, RN, FAAN, FNP-BC, is Associate Professor of Nursing, College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
Amber L
AL
Vermeesch
Jiying
J
Ling
Vicki R
VR
Voskuil
Marion
M
Bakhoya
Stacey M
SM
Wesolek
Kelly A
KA
Bourne
Karin A
KA
Pfeiffer
Lorraine B
LB
Robbins
D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D044383:Black People; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D005221:Fatigue / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015146:Midwestern United States; D009043:Motor Activity; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology; D011627:Puberty; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D012923:Social Class; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013546:Sweating; D014505:Urban Population; D044465:White People; D001741:Black or African American