The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #55701

Amy A Eyler, PhD, School of Public Health, Saint Louis University, Prevention Research Center, 3545 Lafayette Ave., St. Louis, MO 63104, 636-391-7532, eyleras@accessus.net

Background. Physical activity is an important aspect of cardiovascular disease prevention, however, women residing in rural areas are more likely to be sedentary than those residing in more populated living environments. Methods. As part of the Women’s Cardiovascular Health Network project, a quantitative survey was developed and implemented via telephone with a modified random sample of women ages 20-50 years, living in rural areas in Missouri and Illinois. The survey included an assessment of physical activity, personal, social, physical environmental and policy barriers to physical activity. The survey also included as assessment of suggested inventions for physical activity. Logistic regression was used to determine association between activity status and various correlates. Results. Data were collected from 1000 women. Fifty-two percent of the women met current physical activity recommendations and 8% were classified as inactive. Younger women and those in better general health were more likely to be physically active. Higher income, employment, total children, and high self-efficacy were also significant factors. Attending religious services and social roles were social correlates with significant association. Presence of sidewalks was the only significant physical environmental factor. The main suggestions for interventions included facilities geared toward women. Conclusion. Results show the complexity of the topic of physical activity and underscores the importance of an ecological approach to interventions. Because there seems to be no one factor that solely impacts physical activity behavior, programs need to address all levels of influence, including personal, social, and environmental.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Attendees will be able to identify at least two significant correlates of physical activity from this study.
• 2. Attendees will be able to list two ways the data from this study can be put to practical use.

Keywords: Women, Physical Activity

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.