Citation

Eyler AA, Vest JR. Women Health 2002; 36(2): 111-121.

Affiliation

Saint Louis University, School of Public Health, Prevention Research Center, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA. eyleras@accessus.net

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12487144

Abstract

Physical activity is an important aspect of health promotion and disease prevention. However, women often have lower rates of physical activity than men. The purpose of this study was to identify environmental and policy determinants to physical activity among rural white women. Six focus groups were conducted with women aged 20-50 years who were not currently regular exercisers. Women reported that the social environment had a strong impact on physical activity level. Factors of the social environment included guilt, family responsibility, and social support. Environmental and policy barriers such as lack of access to places to exercise and safety concerns were also discussed. Intervention suggestions included family exercise and work-site programs. Information gained from this study can be used to fuel further research and inform future physical activity interventions.

Language: en