Barriers and Health Behaviors of Rural and Urban Persons with MS

Abstract

Objective: To examine the barriers and health behaviors of persons with the chronic neurological condition of multiple sclerosis (MS) living in rural and urban environments. Methods: Eight hundred seven persons with MS completed a mailed survey that included measures of illness-related impairment, barriers, and health behaviors. Results: Rural residents (n=204) reported greater barriers and significantly fewer physical activity behaviors than did urban residents (n=603). Barriers explained greater variance in health behaviors for the urban sample than for the rural sample. Conclusion: Environmental context is an important factor to consider in planning to promote the health of persons with chronic disabling conditions.

Self-efficacy and health status improve after a wellness program in persons with multiple sclerosis

“…Some examples are 8 weekly sessions of 3 h [2], or 10 full days spread over 5 months [1]. These requirements could represent access barriers to many participants who might otherwise wish to participate and these barriers could be more exaggerated the further the distance one lives from an urban center [20,21].…”

Physical activity and exercise training in multiple sclerosis: a review and content analysis of qualitative research identifying perceived determinants and consequences

“…Such perceived determinants include the built environment (e.g. rural or urban environment, public transport availability and access to affordable physical activity options) [13][14][15][16], social influences (e.g. social support) [16,17], one's health condition (e.g.…”

The feasibility and short-term benefits of Blue Prescription: a novel intervention to enable physical activity for people with multiple sclerosis

“…It can, however, be difficult for people with MS to partake in physical activity programmes and to maintain longterm adherence to such programmes, a factor important to optimise health benefits [5][6][7][8]. Barriers to participation in physical activity programmes for people with MS have been identified and include fatigue, the lack/location of recreation facilities, financial and transportation issues, safety concerns and living in a rural community [1,[11][12][13].…”