Physical Activity Barriers and Assets in Rural Appalachian Kentucky

A Mixed-Methods Study

Datos Bibliográficos

ID15480941
AutoresNathan D Jones (0000-0002-5264-206X, University of Kentucky), Natalie Jones (0000-0002-6177-1808, University of Kentucky), Deirdre Dlugonski (0000-0002-7030-8348, University of Kentucky), Rachel Gillespie (0000-0001-7453-6092, University of Kentucky), Emily DeWitt (0000-0003-2018-5922, University of Kentucky), Joann Lianekhammy (University of Kentucky), Stacey Slone (0000-0002-4355-7672, University of Kentucky), Kathryn Cardarelli (0000-0001-6695-7671, University of Kentucky, autor de correspondencia), Kathryn M Cardarelli (University of Kentucky)
Año2021
Volumen18
Número14
Páginas7646-7646
Fecha de publicación2021-07-19
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
EditorialMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph18147646
PMID34300097
OpenAlexW3184593150
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas7
Referencias citadas17

Obesity is an increasing public health concern in the U.S. and a contributor to chronic illness, with trends revealing a rise in adult obesity and chronic disease rates among the most vulnerable and disadvantaged populations, including those in rural communities. A mixed-methods approach was used to examine perspectives on perceived physical activity barriers, resources, and level of community support. Researchers utilized the socioecological model to examine the multiple domains that support physical activity in rural Appalachia. The present study focuses on baseline data, including a cohort survey to assess physical activity, health status, and barriers to physical activity, and five focus groups with elected community leaders, community residents, members, and key stakeholders to assess perspectives on physical activity barriers and resources within the county. The cohort survey sample ( N = 152) reported a median of 6 barriers (range 0-13) to participating in at least 30 min of physical activity daily. The qualitative analysis yielded three overarching themes related to physical activity participation: lack of motivation, physical environment, and cultural barriers. This mixed-methods study revealed the challenges and perceptions among rural residents across the socioecological model when assessing physical inactivity. Findings can be used to tailor future interventions focused on expanding social support, designing infrastructure, and creating policies that promote physical activity

Appalachia · Cohort · Disadvantaged · Environmental health · Focus group · Physical activity · Physical therapy · Political science · Psychological intervention · Sociology · Survey data collection · Medicine · Nursing · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Physical Activity and Health · Psychology · Urban Transport and Accessibility · Gerontology