324430
Use of Motivational Interviewing to Increase Physical Activity Among Adolescent Girls: A Mixed Methods Analysis
Background: Efforts have not been largely effective in reversing the decline in physical activity (PA) as girls approach adolescence. The study purpose was to examine perceptions among nurse interventionists and 5th – 7th grade girls’ living in low socioeconomic urban areas regarding motivational interviewing (MI) sessions to increase the girls’ PA. Methods: Each nurse (N=16) met individually at two time points with her assigned group of girls (N=474). Sessions were guided by the Health Promotion Model and Self-Determination Theory. Girls responded to an iPad-delivered survey, and nurses completed an online survey to evaluate the sessions. Response choices ranged from 1 (disagree a lot) to 4 (agree a lot). Nurses also responded to open-ended questions. Results: Girls’ mean scores ranged from 2.02 (SD=.92) to 2.43 (SD=.77). Nurse interventionists’ responses were higher with mean scores ranging from 2.88 (SD=.62) to 3.88 (SD=.50). The highest-rated item among girls and nurses was related to the ability of the nurse to listen. Girls and nurses rated the sessions lowest for helping girls to overcome barriers to PA. Nurses’ qualitative responses were analyzed using ATLAS.ti to explore perceptions of successes and challenges. Nurses indicated they were most successful in building relationships and promoting girls’ independence. Challenges included adhering to MI techniques while trying to encourage girls to talk and helping girls overcome personal barriers. Conclusion: Overall, nurses perceived that face-to-face MI sessions are important for helping girls increase their PA. Girls and nurses identified a need for interventions to help girls overcome barriers to PA.
Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Public health or related nursing
Learning Objectives:
Discuss nurses’ and girls’ evaluations of motivational interviewing to increase girls’ physical activity.
Identify theoretical constructs that can be addressed in motivational interviewing sessions.
Identify nurses’ perceived successes and challenges in delivering motivational interviewing sessions to increase girls’ physical activity.
Keyword(s): Adolescents, Physical Activity
Presenting author's disclosure statement:Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have received extensive training in motivational interviewing and the related treatment integrity code. I have used the technique in physical activity interventions with adolescents and have trained interventionists in its delivery for several studies. I have presented on the topic at conferences, including an international one.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines,
and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed
in my presentation.
