Sources of attrition in a church-based exercise program for older African-Americans

Among 123 older African Americans recruited into a church-based exercise program, 43% had dropped out within four months. Compared to those who did not drop out, drop outs had lower levels of education, energy to do activities, energy to exercise, and self-ratings of health, all based on measures taken before the class. Over half of those who dropped out cited non-exercise related health problems, and 17% caregiver responsibilities. Of those who dropped out, half said they would continue to exercise and 32% said they intended to start within the next six months.