Feasibility and Acceptability of Self-Monitoring for Physical Activity in Women Recently Released from Incarceration

Background:  Women who have been incarcerated have higher rates of mental and physical health problems than the general public. Physical activity improves both mental and physical health, and daily activity lowers psychological distress.  However, women who are incarcerated report low levels of physical activity. There have been no published studies examining physical activity in women who are in transitional housing after incarceration, and the feasibility and acceptability of self-monitoring intervention for this population is unknown.

Methods:  A descriptive study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a direct-to-consumer self-monitoring device for physical activity in women recently released from incarceration (N=23).  Descriptive statistics were used to assess physical activity (measured using the Physical Activity Questionnaire and an electronic activity tracker), and to assess participant response to the using the device.

Results: Twenty three participants were enrolled in the study for one week. Most (n=22) used the wristband every day; one participant removed it for two of seven days.  Interview data indicated that most participants would like to use such a device. Preliminary analysis showed higher than expected physical activity, with most women (n=20) having three or more days with greater than 10,000 steps/day.

Conclusions:  Self-monitoring, the gold standard in behavior change intervention, is a feasible and acceptable intervention for recently incarcerated women. The participants were engaged and valued the feedback they received. Further research in physical activity and self-monitoring could help address the health disparity related to both physical and mental health in this population.