The political landscape of physical activity and climate change in Canada
Abstract Overview
Background: Political orientation may influence individuals’ perceptions, ideologies, opinions, and policy support related to public health challenges.
Purpose: To examine the implications of political orientation and ideology on physical activity (PA) and climate change in Canada.
Methods: Social Climate Survey 2.0 (2023) commissioned by ParticipACTION—a non-profit organization dedicated to PA promotion in Canada—were used. Political orientation (liberal, centrist, conservative), seriousness of physical inactivity, PA guidelines adherence (≥150 min/week at moderate-to-vigorous intensity), physical inactivity attribution (individual vs external), and support for policy actions aimed at achieving dual benefits of PA and climate change were analyzed using logistic regressions. Mediation models were conducted to examine the mechanisms.
Results: Among 1,711 adults (18+ years; 42% liberal, 33% centrist, 25% conservative), no differences existed by political orientation on the seriousness of physical inactivity (79.5%) or PA guideline adherence (30%). However, compared to liberals, both centrists (OR: 1.63, 95%CI: 1.25-2.05) and conservatives (OR: 1.73, 95%CI: 1.33-2.25) were more inclined to attribute physical inactivity as an individual’s fault. Regarding the endorsement of 8 policies, conservatives were less likely to support all 8 policies (ORs: 0.27-0.48) while centrists were less likely to support 4/8 policies (ORs: 0.53-0.66), compared to liberals. These associations were partially mediated by the neoliberal view of causes for physical inactivity among conservatives.
Conclusion: Most adults acknowledged physical inactivity as a significant public health concern, irrespective of their political orientations. However, centrists and conservatives tended to attribute the issue to individual responsibility (i.e., neoliberal ideology). They also showed less support for policies addressing both climate change and physical inactivity, including those related to investments in public education, infrastructure, or establishing priorities.
Practical implications: Tailoring public health messages, policy advocacy strategies, and investment priorities to align with varying political orientations may be important for addressing physical inactivity and its broader public health implications in Canada.
Additional Authors
Name: Seiyeong Park
Affiliation: School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
Presenting Author: no
Name: Leigh M. Vanderloo
Affiliation: Research & Evaluation, ParticipACTION, 4 New Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
Presenting Author: no
Name: Leah J. Ferguson
Affiliation: College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, 87 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
Presenting Author: no
Name: Amy Latimer-Cheung
Affiliation: School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
Presenting Author: no
Name: Norman O’Reilly
Affiliation: Graduate School of Business, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
Presenting Author: no
Name: Ryan E. Rhodes
Affiliation: Behavioural Medicine Laboratory, School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
Presenting Author: no
Name: John C. Spence
Affiliation: Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, 1-153 Van Vliet Complex, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Presenting Author: no
Name: Mark S. Tremblay
Affiliation: Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Presenting Author: no
Name: Guy Faulkner
Affiliation: School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Presenting Author: yes
Information
Study Type: Policy (e.g. policy or guideline development)
Subtheme: Co-benefits/ non-health benefits/ SDGs
Population Group: Adults, Older Adults
Setting: Whole System
Submitting Author
Eun-Young Lee
Assistant Professor
Queen’s University
Canada
