Perceived personal, social and environmental barriers to weight maintenance among young women: A community survey

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity

David Crawford¹  Victoria Inglis¹  Narelle Warren¹  Kylie Ball¹  Sari Andajani-Sutjahjo¹ 

[1] Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA

关键词: young women;    obesity;    overweight;    weight maintenance;    healthy eating;    physical activity;    barriers;   

Others  :  1156281
DOI  :  10.1186/1479-5868-1-15

 received in 2004-05-06, accepted in 2004-10-05,  发布年份 2004

【 摘 要 】

Background

Young women are a group at high risk of weight gain. This study examined a range of perceived personal, social and environmental barriers to physical activity and healthy eating for weight maintenance among young women, and how these varied by socioeconomic status (SES), overweight status and domestic situation.

Methods

In October-December 2001, a total of 445 women aged 18–32 years, selected randomly from the Australian electoral roll, completed a mailed self-report survey that included questions on 11 barriers to physical activity and 11 barriers to healthy eating (relating to personal, social and environmental factors). Height, weight and socio-demographic details were also obtained. Statistical analyses were conducted mid-2003.

Results

The most common perceived barriers to physical activity and healthy eating encountered by young women were related to motivation, time and cost. Women with children were particularly likely to report a lack of social support as an important barrier to physical activity, and lack of social support and time as important barriers to healthy eating. Perceived barriers did not differ by SES or overweight status.

Conclusions

Health promotion strategies aimed at preventing weight gain should take into account the specific perceived barriers to physical activity and healthy eating faced by women in this age group, particularly lack of motivation, lack of time, and cost. Strategies targeting perceived lack of time and lack of social support are particularly required for young women with children.

【 授权许可】

   
2004 Andajani-Sutjahjo et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

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