The role of peer social network factors and physical activity in adolescent girls

Am J Health Behav. 2005 Mar-Apr;29(2):183-90. doi: 10.5993/ajhb.29.2.9.

Abstract

Objective: To study the relationship between peer-related physical activity (PA) social networks and the PA of adolescent girls.

Methods: Cross-sectional, convenience sample of adolescent girls. Mixed-model linear regression analyses to identify significant correlates of self-reported PA while accounting for correlation of girls in the same school.

Results: Younger girls were more active than older girls. Most activity-related peer social network items were related to PA levels. More PA with friends was significantly related to self-reported PA in multivariate analyses.

Conclusions: Frequency of PA with friends was an important correlate of PA among the peer network variables for adolescent girls.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
  • Age Factors
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dancing / physiology
  • Female
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Peer Group*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Regression Analysis
  • Social Support*
  • Sports / physiology
  • Students / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires