Knowledge of UK physical activity guidelines: Implications for better targeted health promotion

• Knowledge provides an important pre-cursor to PA behaviour change
• We investigated the correlates of knowledge of the UK PA guidelines
• There is a need to increase awareness about the level of PA for health benefits
• Specific socio-demographic factors distinguish those who are unaware of guidelines
• Results have implications for the design of targeted, effective health promotion

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate the correlates of knowledge of the UK physical activity (PA) guidelines.MethodA Northern Ireland-wide population survey (2010/2011) of 4653 adults provided cross-sectional data on PA, knowledge of guidelines and socio-demographic characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression was used to investigate the associations between knowledge and socio-demographic characteristics (Model 1); and modifiable health behaviours (Model 2).ResultsResults showed that 47% of respondents were unaware of PA guidelines. Males who had a lower level of education (OR 5.91; 95% CI 1.67, 20.94), lived in more deprived areas (OR 4.80; 95% CI 1.87, 12.30), low income (OR 2.36; 95% CI 1.63, 3.41) and did no PA (OR 2.74; 95% CI 1.31, 5.76) were more likely to be unaware of the guidelines. Females who were younger (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.02, 1.05) and reported poor health (OR 2.71; 95% CI 1.61, 4.58) were more likely to be unaware of the guidelines.ConclusionThere is a lack of awareness about the levels of PA needed to promote health. An understanding of the characteristics of those who are unaware of the guidelines has important implications for the design of targeted, effective health promotion.