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Abstract: Objective . : To examine the American–Canadian difference in physical activity and its association with diabetes prevalence. Methods . : We used cross-sectional data from nationally representative samples of adults (8688 persons aged ≥18years) participating in the 2004 Joint Canada/U.S. Survey of Health. Using data on up to 22 activities in the past 3months, we defined 3 physical activity groups (in metabolic equivalents-hours/day) as low (<1.5), moderate (1.5–2.9), and high (≥3.0). We employed logistic regression models in our analyses. Results . : Self-reported diabetes prevalence was 7.6% in the U.S. and 5.4% in Canada. The prevalence of low physical activity was considerably higher in the U.S. (70.9%) than in Canada (52.3%), while levels of moderate and high physical activity were higher in Canada (24.6% and 23.1%, respectively) than in the U.S. (14.3% and 14.8%, respectively). Using nationality (Canada as reference) to predict diabetes status, the adjusted odds ratio was 1.48 (95%CI, 1.22–1.79), and became 1.38 (95%CI, 1.15–1.66) when additionally adjusting for physical activity level. We estimate that 20.8% of the U.S.-Canada difference in diabetes prevalence is associated with physical activity. Conclusions . : The difference in the prevalence of diabetes between U.S. and Canadian adults may be partially explained by differences in physical activity between the two countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Little is known about the intrapersonal and social factors associated with sufficient physical activity (PA) for cancer prevention, which is greater than for cardiovascular health., Methods: 1087 and 1684 randomly selected men and women, age 35-64, completed self-administered questionnaires on PA behavior and psycho-social characteristics. Using gender-stratified logistic regression, we investigated correlates of compliance with Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology PA guidelines for general health (150 min/wk), and the American Cancer Society (ACS; 225 min/wk) and World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AIRC; 420 min/wk) guidelines for cancer prevention., Results: Only 39% and 19% of men and women met ACS and WCRF/AICR guidelines, respectively. Self-efficacy, scheduling PA and friend social support were positively correlated with recommended PA for cancer prevention. In men, poor self-rated health and perceived negative outcomes were negatively correlated and hypertension was positively correlated with meeting cancer prevention guidelines. For women, not being married and having a companion for PA were positively correlated with meeting cancer prevention guidelines., Conclusions: Few adults participate in sufficient PA for cancer risk reduction. Multidimensional public health strategies that incorporate intrapersonal and social factors and are tailored for each gender are needed to promote PA for cancer prevention.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine physical activity counseling and program preferences in a sample of adults with type 2 diabetes. Specifically, the objectives were to determine physical activity preferences (objective 1), and whether there were any significant differences between age and/or sex groups for these preferences (objective 1a). A subsidiary objective was to explore potential associations of key social-cognitive constructs (ie, self-efficacy and social support) with physical activity preferences (objective 2)., Methods: This exploratory study consisted of a quantitative, secondary analysis of survey data from a national sample of adults with type 2 diabetes (N = 244). A qualitative follow-up employing telephone interviews was conducted with 14 individuals., Results: Consistent with hypotheses, walking was the most preferred physical activity behavior and there was a preference for engaging in physical activity with others. There were significant (P values < .05) differences in counseling and program preferences between demographic (age and sex), and physical activity cognitive scores. For example, a significantly (P < .05) higher physical activity intensity preference was found in men and younger participants., Conclusions: Tailoring interventions and physical activity programs to the specific preferences of individuals is an important component for health professionals and researchers in facilitating this behavior.