Assessing the importance of social and environmental supports for leisure-time physical activity in a unique socio-cultural and geographical context

Researchers have found important differences among population sub-groups when considering their 'determinants of physical activity '. The health of Francophones and Northern Ontario residents in Canada has been assessed as relatively poorer than the general population. Understanding the determinants of physical activity in these populations holds considerable promise for well-informed public health intervention. This quantitative study examined the social and environmental determinants of physical activity among two language groups and geographical locations within Northern Ontario Canada. A convenience sample of 256 adults was surveyed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Social Support & Exercise Survey, and the Environmental Supports for Physical Activity Questionnaire. Age and gender adjusted regression models identified that social support from family and peers played a limited role in the Francophone sample compared to the Anglophone sample. Further, perceptions of environmental supports for physical activity in urban and rural locations within Northern Ontario were relatively similar and few of these variables emerged as positive contributors to leisure-time activity levels. Our findings suggest that the importance of social support for physical activity differs based on socio-linguistic status and that environmental supports play a limited role among active northerners. Future research directions and recommendations for practice are offered. Key Words: Anglophone, Canada, Francophone, Rural, Urban, Physical Activity, Social Support, Environmental Support.