Perceptions of Midwest rural women related to their physical activity and eating behaviors

Jane Peterson1, Carol Schmer, Peggy Ward-Smith

  • 1University of Missouri at Kansas City, 2464 Charlotte St., Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. petersonja@umkc.edu

The study aim was to describe the perceptions of 65 Midwestern rural women related to healthy eating, physical activity, and weight management. A semistructured interview guide was used to elicit data. Theory of planned behavior constructs were used to categorize the data into 4 predominant themes related to healthy lifestyle behaviors, (a) knowledge and attitudes, (b) rural cultural influences, (c) facilitators, and (d) barriers. Analyses revealed that facilitators and barriers consisted of social and environmental factors, and personal life situations. Results suggest key elements for developing and implementing effective physical activity and weight management interventions for Midwestern rural women.

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