Stage of change specific triggers and barriers to moderate physical activity.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the proportion of rural Midwesterners at different stages of change for regular physical activity.


METHODS
Through systematic random sampling, 418 adult subjects responded to telephone interviews about physical activity in 2 contiguous rural counties.


RESULTS
Almost half of the population was in the precontemplation stage-suggesting a population at great risk for diseases with physical inactivity as a risk factor. Further, barriers and triggers differed by stage of change and demographic.


CONCLUSIONS
Specific groups in this population would benefit by a campaign to increase self-efficacy, the availability of time for activity, and the awareness of associated benefits.
Texas A&M University, School of Rural Public Health, Bryan, TX, USA. ttaiseale@srph.tamushsc.edu
Thomas
T
Tai-Seale
D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D011584:Psychology; D012424:Rural Population; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires