333880
Harnessing the power of pink: Exploration of motivation and sustained physical activity surrounding a breast cancer 5k
methods: Validated self-report surveys (N=437), pedometer-recorded step counts (N=50) and a range of ecologically guided variables were collected one month pre-and one month post-event; PA level (high ≥ 3000 MET/wk; moderate <3000 ≥600 MET/wk; low <600 MET/wk) and related variables were compared between groups based on motivation for event entry using chi-square and odds ratio.
results: Most women (81.6%, N=324) endorsed “supporting the cause” a rationale for participation in the 5k while “the cause” was the primary motivation for 58% (N=211) participants. The proportion of highly active women declined significantly from pre- to-post-event among both study groups (34.1% vs 23.0%; x2=20.8, p<0.001 among cause-focused women; 19.4% vs 15.6%; x2=16.2, p<0.001 among all others) with larger declines noted among caused-focused participants.
conclusion: Cause-focused, rather than PA-focused, motivations for event participation are powerful. Both study groups experienced significant PA declines post-event, with a greater magnitude of decline noted among those endorsing cause-based motivation for participation. Exploring ways to capitalize on women’s initial motivation and associated increase in PA to promote sustained gains in PA long term represents an untapped public health opportunity worthy of future study.
Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and preventionEpidemiology
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related research
Learning Objectives:
Discuss the public health potential surrounding existing community-based fitness events as motivators for long term increased physical activity among women.
Differentiate between physical activity levels of breast cancer event participants based on motivations for participation and related personal, interpersonal and environmental factors.
Keyword(s): Cancer and Women’s Health, Physical Activity
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am currently an Assistant Professor of Public Health and am PI of this grant, responsible for study design and analysis. I have previously overseen numerous physical activity and weight-related studies and presented findings at a range of professional meetings.
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.