Data from: How are different levels of knowledge about physical activity associated with physical activity behaviour in Australian adults?

People with knowledge of the benefits of physical activity tend to be more
active; however, such knowledge is typically operationalized as a basic
understanding that physical activity is ‘good’ for health. Therefore, the
aim of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in how
detailed a person’s knowledge is about the benefits of physical activity.
Participants (N=615) completed an online survey to measure their current
physical activity behaviour, as well as their level of knowledge of the
benefits and risks of physical (in)activity. The majority of participants
(99.6%) strongly agreed that physical activity is good for health, however
on average, participants only identified 13.8 out of 22 diseases
associated with physical inactivity and over half of participants (55.6%)
could not identify how much physical activity is recommended for health
benefits. Furthermore, 45% of the participants overestimated, 9%
underestimated and 27% did not know the increased risk of disease
resulting from inactivity as indicated by the Australian Department of
Health. Participants were significantly more active when they correctly
identified more diseases associated with physical inactivity and when they
overestimated the risks associated with inactivity. Therefore, health
promotion initiatives should increase knowledge of the types of diseases
associated with inactivity. Low knowledge of physical activity guidelines
suggest they should be promoted more, as this knowledge provides guidance
on frequency, types and duration of physical activity needed for health.