Sport activity in adolescence: associations with health perceptions and experimental behaviours

Abstract

Despite the relevance of this research topic from a public health perspective, there is currently a lack of objective data on European adolescents' sport activity, notably the associations between their sport habits and their health attitudes and behaviours, which may have important consequences both in terms of somatic (cardiovascular) health and mental health. The objective of the present study was to determine the direction and strength of the associations between the frequency of sport and health variables; in particular, perceptions of health, self image, substance use and experimental behaviours. Data were collected as part of the 1993 Swiss Multicentric Adolescent Survey on Health. In this survey, anonymous self-administered questionnaires were distributed to a national representative sample of 10,000 in-school adolescents (15-20 years of age). Univariate analyses explored the relationships between the level of sport activity and health variables; then logistic regression analyses examined the strength of these relationships. According to the results, half of the sample do sports more than twice a week, boys more often as part of a sports club. Differences between non-athletic and athletic adolescents describe the latter as having less somatic complaints, more confidence in their future health, a better body image, a lesser tendency to attempt suicide, a higher frequency of use of the car seat belt, and a lower use of tobacco, wine and marijuana. Links between the frequency of sport activity and the locus of control related to health, general satisfaction with life or sexual behaviours are less strong. It must be noticed that the cross-sectional data collection precludes the establishment of a causal relationship between exercise and health behaviours. However, the existing links underline the coexistence of positive health characteristics and sport activity, suggesting that an incitement to get involved in physical activity may be a necessary component of a comprehensive prevention approach among adolescents.

Food habits and sport activity during adolescence: differences between athletic and non-athletic teenagers in Switzerland

“…Our cross-sectional results cannot allow determination of Food habits and sport activity C Cavadini et al whether sports activity predisposes to better food habits or if better food habits and sports practice are both part of a more positive approach to life, but the association between sports activity and healthy lifestyles has already been described earlier (Ferron et al, 1999;Pate et al, 1996). This leads us to the implications of our results.…”

Does sport-participation improve health? A panel analysis on the role of educational attainment, economic deprivation and work–family load

“…A positive association between sport-participation and health is broadly accepted (Bauman, 2004;Bize et al, 2007;Ferron et al, 1999). In their much cited review article, Warburton, Nicol, and Bredin (2006) stated that they found 'incontrovertible evidence that regular physical activity contributes to the primary and secondary prevention of several chronic diseases and is associated with a reduced risk of premature death ' (p. 807).…”

“…Indeed, research often illustrates that participating in sport holds beneficial effects for both physical and mental health (e.g. Eime, Young, Harvey, Charity, & Payne, 2013;Ferron, Narring, Cauderay, & Michaud, 1999;Fox, 1999;Green, Smith, & Roberts, 2005;Ransford & Palisi, 1996). It is argued that physical activity results in an improvement of the physical state, enhances confidence and self-esteem, and boosts social and cognitive deprivation and work-family load as shared determinants.…”

Body image and depressive symptoms in 13‐year‐old adolescents

“…Despite the norm for timing of maturation in human is large, adolescence may be divided into three developmental stages based on physical, psychological and social changes: Early adolescence, (from 10-13 years of age), middle adolescence (14)(15)(16), and late adolescence (17)(18)(19), but variable) (28).…”

“…The increasing autonomy of adolescents and the beginning of the separation from parents makes them more susceptible to peers and social influences (28).…”