title: Health barriers to walking for exercise in elderly primary care.
abstract: Health status is acknowledged by nursing theory as a factor in the probability of health behavior changes. Yet few studies have addressed the health-related barriers encountered by chronically ill elderly patients in primary care clinics who are trying to increase their physical activity. This study used self- and interviewer-administered instruments to assess potential barriers to physical activity in a sample of 60- to 80-year-old patients entering a walking program. Pain, fatigue, and mobility and sensory impairments were prevalent and could be significant barriers to participation. The authors present specific suggestions for helping patients overcome these barriers.
authors.affiliation: Montogomery Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA.
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bilbrew
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Dubbert
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kerr
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kirchner
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006304:Health Status; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010146:Pain / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016138:Walking / Q000523:psychology*