 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Janice Thompson, PhD1, Venita K. Wolfe, BA2, Novaline Wilson, BS2, Marla N. Pardilla, MPH2, and Georgia E. Perez2. (1) Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Office of Native American Diabetes Programs, 1720 Louisiana Blvd., Suite 312, Albuquerque, NM 87110, (505) 272-5141, JThompson@salud.unm.edu, (2) Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Office of Native American Diabetes Programs, 1720 Louisiana Blvd., Suite 312, Albuquerque, NM 87110
Background: Rates of physical activity among Native American women are low, and few studies have assessed factors associated with physical activity in Native American women. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship among physical activity and various personal, social environmental, and physical environmental factors in Native American women. Methods: As part of the multi-site study of the Women’s Cardiovascular Health Network, 350 Native American women from the Southwest completed a face-to-face interview. Participants ranged in age from 20 to 50 years. The survey included an assessment of physical activity, personal, social environmental, physical environmental and policy barriers to physical activity, in addition to suggested inventions. Logistic regression analyses were conducted using physical activity as the dependent variable. Results: Participants represented a variety of tribal groups. Over half (55.1%) met moderate or vigorous physical activity recommendations, with 32.0% being insufficiently active and 12.9% being inactive. Personal factors related to being more active included not having a marital partner, self-reported excellent or very good health, and very high physical activity self-efficacy. In terms of social environmental factors, women were more likely to meet physical activity recommendations if they knew people who exercised, saw people in the neighborhood exercise, and attended religious services. Physical environmental factors examined were not associated with meeting physical activity recommendations. Conclusion: Social environmental factors were significantly associated with physical activity in Native American women. These results emphasize the importance of support from family, friends, communities, and leaders to increase physical activity among Native American women.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.