Trust levels of physical activity information sources: a population study

Health Promot J Austr. 2005 Dec;16(3):221-4. doi: 10.1071/he05221.

Abstract

Issue addressed: To examine levels of trust for various sources of physical activity information.

Methods: Questions from a 2003 nationally representative survey (n=8,291), Obstacles to Action, relating to how much respondents would trust various sources of physical activity information, were examined.

Results: The most trusted source of physical activity information was the general practitioner (GP) and the least trusted source was the Internet. High levels of trust were also found for health organisations, dietitians and nurses, while low levels of trust were also found for television, radio, and print media.

Conclusion: The primary care setting continues to be the most trusted source of physical activity information. Those more likely to trust their physician were older adults, those with chronic disease, and the insufficiently active.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Health Education / methods*
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Male
  • Mass Media
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Activity*
  • Physician-Patient Relations
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Trust*