Policy perceptions related to physical activity and healthy eating in Mississippi.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the public perceptions about policies related to physical activity and healthy eating to inform efforts to change policy for these important public health issues. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, structured phone interview survey. SETTING: Ten counties in Mississippi (5 counties with the highest and 5 with the lowest obesity prevalence). PARTICIPANTS: : Random sample of 2800 adults. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Level of support for each individual policy and summary of support for 10 policies related to healthy eating and activity and 4 related to local funding for infrastructure for physical activity. RESULTS: This survey showed strong policy support among Mississippi residents for a diverse set of policies aimed at promoting healthy eating and physical activity behaviors. This was particularly true for those in counties with the highest levels of obesity. Support for policies related to healthy eating and activity was highest for the following: requiring at least 30 minutes of physical activity or physical education everyday for children in kindergarten through 12th grade (93%) and lowest for the following: taxing soda and soft drinks and using the money for public education campaigns to fight obesity in children (65%). Support for the use of local government funds to build and maintain infrastructure for physical activity was high across all categories, ranging from 86% (recreation centers) to 74% (swimming pools). The levels of support for each policy varied according to several demographic characteristics; in general, support for nearly every policy was greater among African Americans, females, and those in counties with higher levels of obesity. Logistic models predicting level of support for healthy eating and physical activity found significant associations with several demographic factors.