Relationship between recreational physical activity, physical education class, and sports participation on substance use behaviors of adolescents

Physical activity and sports participation has traditionally been regarded as a means of encouraging health habits and deterring health risk behaviors in adolescents, yet the literature has not always corroborated this perception of physical activity and sports participation as a protective factor for substance use. As such, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity, physical education class, and sports participation on the substance use practices of adolescents. Data for this study was derived from the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) national study of adolescent behaviors. Chi-square analysis was used to examine the differences between males and females in regard to substance use behavior and recreational physical activity, physical education class, and sports participation. Regression models were used to examine the relationship between recreational physical activity, physical education class, sports participation, and substance use. The results of this study indicated that recreational physical activity, attending PE class, and participating in sports independently were protective factors for many cigarette use behaviors but not smokeless tobacco use. Additionally, recreational physical activity and sports participation appears to be a protective factor for marijuana use among females but not males. On the other hand, recreational physical activity and sports participation appears to be a risk factor for alcohol use behaviors among males. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest varying patterns of substance use based on one's physical activity level, participation in PE class, and engaging in sports.