Physical Activity Levels and Self-Reported Risk-Taking Behavior among Rural Australian and American 7th–9th Grade Adolescents

Abstract

This study compares self-reported physical activities and selected health behaviors (i.e., participation in physical activity, alcohol and cigarette use, perceived level of energy, and satisfaction with body weight) of a sample of seventh and ninth grade adolescents from Australia and the United States. A modified version of the Personal Wellness Profile 400™ (PWP 400) was used to measure adolescents' participation in physical activity and health behaviors. Five of the seven items studied showed significant differences (p < .05). Ninety-seven percent of Australian adolescents reported they engaged in physical activity long enough to work up a sweat four or more times per week, compared to 94 percent of U.S. adolescents. The Australian cohort, however, reported a significantly higher level of ever smoking (34.1% vs. 12.3%), and drinking alcohol during the past year than did U.S. adolescents (55.0% vs. 16.0%). Male adolescents demonstrated significant differences on five of the seven items measured. Australian males reported greater participation in physical activity, smoking and drinking, and reported they had higher levels of energy than did U.S. males. The female adolescents also demonstrated significant differences on five of the seven items measured, e.g., over 76 percent of Australian females reported engaging in strength exercises at least once a week compared to 59 percent of U.S. females, and only 23 percent of Australian females reported they were sedentary compared to 41 percent of U.S. females. Finally, the relationship between physical activity and involvement with risk-taking behaviors and health-related attitudes for both samples was examined. Increased activity was associated with less smoking, more satisfaction with body weight, and perceived higher energy level for U.S. adolescents. Drinking alcohol was not associated with activity level for U.S. adolescents. For Australian adolescents there was no association between physical activity and risk-taking behaviors and health-related attitudes. Future research should continue to examine cultural differences.