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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Carol Ewing Garber, PhD, Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, 100 DK, Boston, MA 02115, 617-373-2526, c.garber@neu.edu, Jenifer Allsworth, PhD, Community Health, Brown Medical School, 167 Angell Street, Box G-H1, Providence, RI 02912, Jana Hesser, PhD, Data/Health Statistics, Rhode Island Department of Health, Cannon Building, 3 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02903, and Bess Marcus, PhD, Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, Miriam Hospital, 1 Hoppin St, Providence, RI 02903.

Objective. This study evaluated trends in stage of change for physical activity.

Methods. A random sample of adult residents of Rhode Island was surveyed during the years 1998 and 2000, and stage of change for physical activity was determined. We compared the trends for stage of change over the two-year period. A subgroup analysis to determine trends according to demographic and socioeconomic characteristics was also performed.

Results. Persons were less likely to be in maintenance in 2000 compared with 1998, but a somewhat higher proportion of persons were in action. Compared with 1998, a positive shift in the distribution of persons in the pre-action stages occurred, such that a smaller proportion of persons were in precontemplation and a greater proportion in contemplation and preparation. This shift to contemplation and preparation was most pronounced in men, older adults, whites and blacks. There were a relatively high proportion of persons who believe they meet the physical activity recommendations of the US Surgeon General in both year surveyed.

Conclusions: The proportion of persons in maintenance declined, and a forward shift in persons in the pre-action stages occurred over the two-year period. More people were in contemplation, preparation and action. These shifts were most pronounced in older persons, men and persons of minority status, and support the efficacy of public health efforts to improve physical activity

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the trends in stage of change for physical activity. Describe factors associated with the trends in stage of change for physical activity Discuss implications of the trends in stage of change for physical actvity.

Keywords: Surveillance, Physical Activity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered