Use of the Surgeon Generals Report on Physical Activity and Health among CHES

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to determine awareness and use of the Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health (SGR) among Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES). A secondary purpose was to determine whether use of the SGR varied by physical activity level of the respondents. A total of 540 CHES completed a survey that included open- and closed-ended items regarding their awareness and use of the SGR and questions about their participation in physical activity. Twenty-five incomplete surveys were excluded from analyses, which resulted in a final sample of 515. The majority of CHES (78.3%, n = 403) had heard of the SGR. Of the 403 who were aware of the report, 52.8% (n = 208) had used the information from the report in their work setting. In addition, CHES who engaged in regular vigorous physical activity were more likely to use the report in their work setting than less active CHES (χ² = 15.39, df = 3, p = .002). It is encouraging that a large number of CHES are using the SGR information within their own worksite physical activity programs.