Physical Activity Barriers, Facilitators, and Preferences in Rural Adults with Obesity

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Exercise Science
• Obesity Research

Background:

• Rural adults with obesity experience unique challenges in physical activity engagement.
• Understanding these challenges is crucial for developing effective health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review identifying physical activity barriers, facilitators, and preferences among rural adults with obesity.
• To inform the design of targeted and effective physical activity interventions.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of ten studies from diverse international settings (US, Australia, Nepal, Mexico).
• Analysis focused on reported barriers, facilitators, and intervention preferences.

Main Results:

• Key barriers included social/physical environmental factors (e.g., resource scarcity, lack of social support) and time limitations.
• Facilitators frequently reported were fitness trackers and social interaction/group activities.
• Intervention preferences varied: rural residents favored web-based delivery, while individuals with obesity preferred face-to-face methods.

Conclusions:

• Environmental and psychosocial factors significantly influence physical activity engagement in this population.
• Future interventions must consider these contextual factors and individual preferences for delivery methods.
• Further research is needed to optimize intervention strategies for rural adults with obesity.