Physically Active Population, 1996 to 1997

The first map in this set identifies the provincial proportions of the population defined as physically active (during leisure-time) in the 1996 to 1997 National Population Health Survey (NPHS). "Physically active" is a complex derived variable of the NPHS based on the energy demands of a series of leisure-time activities that respondents to the survey indicated that they had participated in during the three months previous to the survey (Statistical Report on the Health of Canadians, p. 189). This categorization of physical activity applies to survey participants 12 years of age and older.

The second map in the set is for a more restricted group of respondents, those between the ages of 20 and 64. This map shows the provincial distributions of the population who are overweight.

In provinces such as Alberta and British Columbia, the 12+ years age group is far more active than their counterparts in other provinces. Perhaps as a consequence, these provinces have lower proportions of the age group 20 and 64 years who are overweight. At the other end of the spectrum (Figure 1), populations in the Atlantic provinces tend to be overweight and inactive, at least in relative terms.

[D]
Click for larger version, 3 KB
Figure 1. Provincial Relationships: Overweight versus Physically Active

Associations between physical activity levels, overweight population proportions, and educational attainments levels are suggested in Figure 2. As educational attainment levels increase from less than high school through to university, the Canadian population becomes generally more physically active and less overweight. Maps in this health issue of education attainment and related socio-demographic phenomena would therefore suggest that, if the data were available, sub-provincial spatial patterns of physical activity or overweight proportions of the population would likely reflect similar geographies throughout Canada.

[D]
Click for larger version, 5 KB
Figure 2. Physically Inactive (12 years of age and over) and Overweight (age 20 to 64 years) by Educational Attainment Levels

• Population Who Were Overweight, 1996 to 1997 Map | Read about this map

• Health
• Health Behaviours
• Physical Activity
• References and Links