Physical activity behaviors and motivations in an adult First Nation population: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the potential utility of the theory of planned behavior in predicting physical activity behaviors and intentions in a sample of First Nation adults and to determine the behaviors and salient beliefs of First Nation adults as they relate to engaging in physical activity.


METHODS
35 women and 18 men from the Westbank First Nation community completed a mail-out questionnaire based on the theory of planned behavior. Follow-up focus groups were used to elicit accessible beliefs and to determine actual behaviors (N = 12).


RESULTS
Intention significantly explained 16% of the variance in behavior. Only affective attitude and perceived behavioral control predicted intention but explained 50% of the variance. Qualitative analyses revealed that despite similarities, First Nation adults may engage in culturally specific activities and may have unique salient beliefs compared with the general population.


CONCLUSIONS
To increase intentions, interventions should focus on the affective benefits of being physically active and promote activities perceived as easy to do with facilities that are accessible.
Coble
James D
JD
University of Victoria, School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Rhodes
Ryan E
RE
Higgins
Joan Wharf
JW