The growing emphasis on building healthy public policy draws attention to social and environmental inequalities in health, including the impact of racism and crime. This study reports on questionnaire and focus group research with a sample of 214 Year 7 and Year 9 girls (11-14 years old), of whom just under half were of Asian origin. The findings highlighted considerable differences between the attitudes and behaviour reported by Asian-origin and non-Asian girls. The problems encountered in managing hostile urban environments were seen as significantly greater by Asian-origin girls and fears about assault and harassment resulted in restricted access and a home-focused style of life. They reported restrictions on their physical activity, and some degree of frustration about their lack of freedom, which have policy implications for health promoters.
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