Low discretionary time as a barrier to physical activity and intervention uptake

Am J Health Behav. 2008 Nov-Dec;32(6):563-9. doi: 10.5555/ajhb.2008.32.6.563.

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether self-reported discretionary time was associated with physical activity and uptake of a physical activity promotion intervention in a multi-ethnic urban sample.

Methods: We examined the association of self-reported discretionary time with hours/week of leisure-time physical activity at baseline and physical activity intervention uptake.

Results: Low levels of discretionary time were significantly (P<0.01) associated with fewer hours/week (beta=-0.78, 95%CI=-1.34, -0.22) of physical activity at baseline. Discretionary time was not associated with physical activity intervention uptake.

Conclusion: Lack of discretionary time may serve as barrier to physical activity, but its importance on intervention uptake is less clear.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Chronic Disease / prevention & control*
  • Demography
  • Female
  • Health Promotion*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Activity*
  • Social Class*
  • Time Factors
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult