Influence of Socioeconomic Status and Perceived Barriers on Physical Activity Among Taiwanese Middle-Aged and Older Women. Issue 4 (July 2017) - Lin, Chia-Huei
Abstract : Background: Physical activity (PA) is associated with cardiovascular health in general populations, particularly in women. Middle-aged and older women are at high risk of less engagement in PA for unknown and complicated reasons. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate whether PA was positively associated with socioeconomic status and psychosocial correlates of PA (self-efficacy and perceived benefits) but inversely correlated with perceived barriers in women (age >40 years). Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 326 community-dwelling women was conducted. Data on socioeconomic status, PA, and its psychosocial correlates (ie, perceived benefits/barriers and self-efficacy) were collected using self-report questionnaires. Analyses were performed by multiple linear regressions. Results: Monthly income ( β = .35, P = .015), employment status ( β = .32, P < .001), and perceived barriers to PA ( β = −.19, P = .008) were significantly associated with PA. More highly educated women participated in more ( β = .13, P = .033) vigorous PA, women with fewer perceived barriers participated in more ( β = −.14, P = .047) moderate-intensity PA, and employed women participated in more ( β = .35, P < .001) walking. Significantly higher scores of perceived barriers, including "no trainer, " "feeling exhausted, " "lack of motivation, " and "lack of guidance, " were identified in women with low PA compared with those with moderate PA. Conclusion: Socioeconomic status and perceived barriers are associated with PA and its intensity level. Some specific barriers provide insights into the key factors that contribute to low PA in middle-aged and older women. These findings can be considered in future interventions to design PA promotion programs for this population to protect against cardiovascular diseases.