| This research study will investigate the factors that lead to physical inactivity among women. A sample of women ranging in age from 21 to 65 years completed the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) via the Internet. Several factors that were significantly associated with inactivity include Caucasian women who reported poor mental health; for all ethnic groups as age increases the emphasis placed on healthy behaviors increased, and low health status was associated with physical inactivity. Based on the responses to survey questions addressing women's perceived (i.e., BRFSS mental health and physical health related questions) and demographic (i.e., age, ethnicity, education, and employment status) barriers (CDC, 2005) to engaging in health-enhancing levels of regular physical activity, more effective strategies for women to engage in physical activity and weight control activities will allow health psychologists, physicians, and other public health practitioners and helping professionals to address this problem. |
