Comparison of select variables related to physical activity in rural and urban low-income women

Background: The current study examined if benefits, barriers and environmental support for exercise were similar in rural and urban low income females. We hypothesized that these variables associated with physical activity would be similar among low-income women regardless if they lived in a rural or urban setting. Methods: A prospective, observational study design was utilized in which low-income women were recruited from Louisville, Kentucky neighborhoods (urban) and two small western Kentucky cities (rural). A total of 87 low-income women were recruited and enrolled at community centers. The 43-item Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale for Exercise and the 11-item Environmental Supports for Physical Activity Questionnaire were administered to each woman. Tests for differences among the two groups were performed. Results: Total scores on the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (89.9 vs. 87.0, p=0.730), scores on the benefits subscale (54.7 vs. 55.7, p=0.870), and scores on the Environmental Supports for Physical Activity Questionnaire (19.4 vs. 20.7, p=0.256) were not significantly different between the two groups. Scores on the barriers subscale (35.2 vs. 31.3, p=0.024) were significantly different with women in the rural setting reporting fewer barriers. Conclusions: Results support the hypothesis that benefits and environmental support for exercise are not significantly different between urban and rural low-income women in this southern sample. However, barriers for physical activity were significantly different. Prior to implementing program or research physical activity interventions with low-income women, it may be beneficial to direct careful attention to the specific barriers of the proposed sample or targeted population.