The Influence of Motivation and Memorable Message Receipt on the Exercise and Eating Habits of Black Women

Black women living in the United States typically have poorer diet quality and exercise less frequently when compared to other groups. However, research has noted that interpersonal communication could be leveraged to encourage this group to engage in these health promoting behaviors. As such, the current study examined the relation between motivation, receipt of a health-related memorable message, and recent diet and exercise behavior among Black women.

A cross-sectional study was conducted by administering a survey to self-identified Black women in the Midwestern United States. The survey consisted of the Behavioral Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire-2 to derive relative autonomy index (RAI) which assesses motivation to exercise. In addition, the survey contained a modified version of the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Scale to gather recent diet and exercise behavior, and a section to determine receipt of a memorable message. Separate multiple linear regression models were developed to determine the impact of relative autonomy index and memorable messages on 1) days eating healthy and 2) days of exercise.

The study sample consisted of 116 Black women. Days of eating healthy were positively associated with overall motivation. Both RAI score (β = 0.16) and receipt of a memorable message (β= 1.38) were predictive of a higher number of days eating healthy. Multivariate analysis revealed RAI score (β = 0.16) and receipt of a memorable message (β= 1.27) were predictive of a higher number of days exercising.

Motivation is a key factor to influence greater engagement in healthy eating and exercise among Black women. Additional research is needed regarding the types of messages that may influence healthy behaviors to the greatest degree.