Sports participation and health-related behaviors among US youth
Pate, R.R.; Trost, S.G.; Levin, S.; Dowda, M.
Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine 154(9): 904-911
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 1072-4710 PMID: 10980794 DOI: 10.1001/archpedi.154.9.904Document Number: 241046
A sample of 14 221 US high school students were studied to examine the relationship between sports participation and health related behaviours. The prevalence of sports participation among males and females from 3 ethnic groups and its association with other health behaviours, including diet, tobacco use, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual activity, violence and weight loss practices. The findings reveal that sports participation is highly prevalent among US high school students. and is associated with numerous positive health behaviours and few negative health behaviours.