Perceived Intrinsic Barriers to Physical Activity Among Rural Mothers

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify and determine the influence of perceived intrinsic barriers to physical activity among mothers living in rural areas. Methods: Mothers were identified through a study of child-parent dyads in the predominantly rural states of New Hampshire and Vermont. Using a telephone interview, we asked mothers (n ¼ 1691) about their level of physical activity and assessed eight potential barriers to physical activity. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, t tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) comparisons for groups within each variable. We used multiple regression analysis to assess associations between perceived barriers to physical activity and self-reported levels of physical activity. Results: Each barrier was inversely associated with physical activity. Multivariate models that included terms for all potential barriers and covariates identified three barriers associated with lower levels of physical activity: lack of self-discipline, lack of time, and lack of interest. Conclusions: Rural mothers are less likely to be physically active if they identify lack of self-discipline, time, or interest as barriers, suggesting that they have difficulty prioritizing exercise for themselves. Interventions aimed at increasing physical activity for mothers should specifically consider these barriers. One possible solution may be to support infrastructure that facilitates active living as the default option, to remove the issue of having to purposefully engage in physical activity as a separate aspect of a mother's life.

Using gender-based analyses to understand physical inactivity among women in Yellowstone County, Montana

“…These Physical Activity Guidelines (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2008) include at least 150 min a week of moderate-intensity or 74 min a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity or an equivalent combination of moderate-and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. Furthermore, when data are examined by sex, health disparities emerge with women reporting significantly less leisure-time physical activity than men (Adachi-Mejia et al, 2010;U.S. Public Health Service, 1996;Doldren & Webb, 2013;Ransdell, Vener, & Sell, 2004;U.S.…”

Interpretation of Ecological Theory for Physical Activity with the Omaha System

“…Consistent with the levels described above, the bi-directional arrow represents the reciprocal relationship between problems at this level and health-related behaviors. For example, traffic and wild animals (Omaha System Neighborhood/workplace safety problem) are barriers to physical activity (Gangeness, 2010). Yet, physical activity may improve Neighborhood/workplace safety, as more people exercising may prompt drivers to slow down or keep wild animals at bay (National Institute of Justice, 2014).…”

“…Social role strain (Eyler, 2003), balancing family and self (Perry et al, 2008), caregiver, family, and childrearing duties (Gangeness, 2010;Marshall et al, 2013;Wilcox et al, 2000), and lack of child care (Osuji et al, 2006).…”

“…Low/no income Crime (Osuji et al, 2006). Traffic (Gangeness, 2010;Osuji et al, 2006;Peterson et al, 2013).…”

Self-Silencing as a Predictor of Physical Activity Behavior

“…However, reported barriers to PA suggest that silencing one's own needs to accommodate others may be a major factor in lowered participation in PA by women. Insufficient time (Adachi-Mejia et al, 2010;Kowal & Fortier, 2007;Sorensen & Gill, 2008) and the need to attend to more pressing family, communal, or work priorities (Caperchoine, Mummery, & Joyner, 2009;Cramp & Bray, 2011;Juarbe, Turok, & Pérez-Stable, 2002) have been cited as prominent barriers to participation in PA by diverse groups of women globally. Moreover, some women have noted that they are more likely to participate in PA if they believe it will either enhance their ability to meet their role-related responsibilities or encourage their children to be more physically active (Juarbe, Turok, & Pérez-Stable, 2002).…”