Paper
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Cognitive/Perceptual Factors Influencing Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Among Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obese Rural Women
Carol H. Pullen, EdD, RN1, Susan Noble Walker, EdD, RN, FAAN1, Patricia A. Hageman, PT, PhD2, Linda S. Boeckner, PhD, RD3, and Maureen K. Oberdorfer, MPA, BSMT1. (1) College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA, (2) Division of Physical Therapy Education, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA, (3) University of Nebraska Research and Extension Center, Scottsbluff, NE, USA
| Learning Objective #1: Describe the differences in perceived self-efficacy, benefits, barriers, interpersonal support for healthy eating and physical activity, and related affect among normal weight, overweight, and obese groups of midlife and older rural women
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| Learning Objective #2: Discuss the need to develop individualized physical activity interventions for weight loss according to weight category |
Objective:The purpose of the study was to determine the differences in cognitive/perceptual factors influencing healthy eating and physical activity among normal weight [body mass index (BMI) <25)], overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9), and obese (BMI 30+) midlife and older rural women. Overweight and obesity are recognized as international public health problems. Being overweight can initiate a trajectory that leads to obesity and chronic diseases with their associated disability and economic costs. Design: Descriptive correlational design. Population, Sample, Setting, Years: 225 rural women aged 50 to 69 enrolled in a project to facilitate physical activity and healthy eating (2002-03). Concept or Variables Studied Together: Cognitive/perceptual factors (perceived self-efficacy, benefits , barriers, interpersonal support and activity related affect) were selected from Pender’s Health Promotion Model. Methods: The women completed a computerized assessment at two rural sites with reliable and valid instruments, including the Heathy Eating and Activity Benefits/Barriers Scales, Healthy Eating and Activity Self-Efficacy Scales, and Family and Friends Support for Exercise and Healthy Eating Scales. Activity related affect (perceived exertion) was measured after a walking test. Findings: MANOVAs with Bonferroni correction were conducted for self-efficacy, benefits, barriers and interpersonal support variables. Groups were significantly different (F=2.50, p=.006) only for activity factors. Significant group differences were found for activity benefits and barriers (obese group differed from normal and overweight groups). Friends’ support for activity differed between overweight and obese groups. One- way ANOVAs followed by Scheffe’s multiple comparison tests found significant group differences (F=10.37, p=<.001) for perceived exertion (obese differed from normal and overweight). Conclusions: Some cognitive/perceptual factors influencing physical activity , but not healthy eating, differed among normal, overweight, and obese women. Implications: The findings suggest the need to individualize physical activity interventions for weight loss according to BMI category.
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Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004