Association of perceived environment with meeting public health recommendations for physical activity in seven European countries

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the association of perceived environment and meeting the current public health recommendations (PHRs) for physical activity (PA) and examines the role of body mass index (BMI) in this relation. METHODS: A total of 4231 subjects (>or=18 years), from seven European countries, were involved in a cross-sectional survey. PA was measured by the International PA Questionnaire, and specific questions about perceived environment for PA were added. RESULTS: Adults with high personal motivation were more likely to meet PHRs for PA than those without motivation (odds ratio [OR] 1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.50-2.14). Participants perceiving high social support from work or school were more likely to meet PHRs for PA than those without this support (OR 1.60; 95% CI 1.30-2.00). Likewise, those with perceived opportunities for PA were more likely to meet PHRs than those without this perception (OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.02-1.50). BMI had no effect on meeting PHRs for PA. CONCLUSION: The study shows a relation between personal motivation and some aspects of social and physical environment in meeting current PHRs for PA. Future research involving an objective environment to meet PHRs for PA should be undertaken to validate these findings.