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Southern women's response to a walking intervention
Mary A Nies1, Catherine E Reisenberg, Heather L Chruscial
1Center For Health Research; Director, Doctoral and Postdoctoral Programs, Wayne State University, 5557 Cass Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, USA. m.nies@wayne.edu
Public Health Nursing (Boston, Mass.)
|February 18, 2003
Summary
This study shows a telephone-based intervention helped middle-aged women increase physical activity through walking. The program addressed benefits, goal setting, and social support, aiding routine development.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Gerontology
Background:
- Sedentary lifestyles are prevalent among American adults.
- Middle-aged women face health risks like osteoporosis, necessitating increased physical activity.
- Targeting this demographic for physical activity interventions is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of a telephone-based intervention aimed at increasing walking activity in middle-aged women.
- To explore themes related to physical activity adoption and maintenance within the intervention.
- To identify differences in walking habits and beliefs across racial and income groups.
Main Methods:
- A 6-month physical activity intervention involving 31 women aged 30-60.
- Intervention included 16 telephone calls focusing on walking benefits, goal setting, social support, and relapse prevention.
- Content analysis of intervention conversations to identify emerging themes.
Main Results:
- The intervention provided a foundation for women to establish walking routines.
- Women reflected on how intervention components influenced their daily routines and walking habits.
- Racial differences were observed in walking location and partners; income differences emerged in perceived benefits and social support.
Conclusions:
- Telephone-based interventions can support middle-aged women in developing sustainable walking routines.
- Understanding socioeconomic and racial factors is important for tailoring physical activity interventions.
- Further research can build upon these findings to promote public health through increased physical activity.