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Understanding Perceptions of Health and Physical Activity: A First Step in Developing a Youth-Driven Program

By T. Forneris et al., published in 2013 in the PHEnex Journal.

Research has shown that adolescent females are less active compared to males leading to a call for increased physical activity programming for female youth (Brodersen et al., 2007). However, to date, much of the research has not incorporated the voice of youth. According to the United Nations, youth have a right to participate in society and express their views about matters concerning their lives and future (Health Canada, 2001). The purpose of this research was to explore female adolescents’ perceptions related to health and physical activity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with female youth from a local Boys and Girls Club. The results indicated that for female youth health is a complex construct made up of a number of factors. In addition, it was evident that body image, gender, the social environment and having access to resources were perceived to impact health behaviours including physical activity.

Understanding Perceptions of Health and Physical Activity: A First Step in Developing a Youth-Driven Program

By T. Forneris et al., published in 2013 in the PHEnex Journal.

Research has shown that adolescent females are less active compared to males leading to a call for increased physical activity programming for female youth (Brodersen et al., 2007). However, to date, much of the research has not incorporated the voice of youth. According to the United Nations, youth have a right to participate in society and express their views about matters concerning their lives and future (Health Canada, 2001). The purpose of this research was to explore female adolescents’ perceptions related to health and physical activity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with female youth from a local Boys and Girls Club. The results indicated that for female youth health is a complex construct made up of a number of factors. In addition, it was evident that body image, gender, the social environment and having access to resources were perceived to impact health behaviours including physical activity.

Understanding Perceptions of Health and Physical Activity: A First Step in Developing a Youth-Driven Program

June 17, 2025 • YouthREX

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