Gender differences in physical activity attitudes and behaviors among 7th and 9th grade students: Findings from California's Healthy Eating, Active Communities baseline student survey

PURPOSE: Numerous programs around the country are working to promote physical activity among youth. The findings from a large survey of 7th and 9th grade students participating in the Healthy Eating, Active Communities (HEAC) initiative in California which examined students' physical activity attitudes and behaviors can help inform these efforts. METHODS: One middle school and one high school in each of 6 communities participating in the Healthy Eating, Active Communities initiative as well as 3 comparison communities participated in a baseline survey about nutrition and physical activity. Surveys were collected during the Spring of 2006 from more than 5,000 students in low-income schools participating in HEAC in California. FINDINGS: Data illustrate that physical activity patterns for boys and girls differ. Girls report more barriers to physical activity than do boys at this age. Strategies for promoting physical activity for all students should take these reported differences into consideration.