| Background: Recent years have seen an escalation in concern over the public health issue of physical inactivity, which contributes to alarming rates of chronic diseases and conditions, including hypertension, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain forms of cancer (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2011; World Health Organization [WHO], 2008). Problematic rates of inactivity are relatively higher among women, those of lower socioeconomic status, older adults, and ethnic/racial minorities, especially among Black adults (CDC BRFSS, 2009). Several research studies have concluded that Black adults are not only less likely to meet the recommendations for physical activity, but to no surprise, also have lower rates of participation (e.g., lower attendance rates) in physical activity programs and interventions. Although participation in physical activity programs can lead to substantial changes in physical activity levels and overall health improvements, few studies have examined factors associated with participation in physical activity programs among Black adults, especially those who reside in underserved communities. Therefore, the purpose of this two-fold study was to: 1) utilize the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA) to identify the factors associated with intention to participate in physical activity programs, and 2) better understand the influence of culture on intention to participate in physical activity programs among Black adults in Gary, Indiana. Methods: Data was collected from April to May 2013 from ten community sites. Part One of this study employed a descriptive and cross-sectional quantitative research design. A survey based on the RAA was administered to 153 community members to identify and understand the factors that influence intention to participate in physical activity programs. Regression and correlation analyses were used to analyze this quantitative data. Part Two of this study included in-depth interviews with six community members to better understand how culture influences participation in physical activity programs. Qualitative data analytic procedures were guided by Miles and Huberman (1994) interactive model, which included the processes of data reduction, data display, and drawing verifying conclusions. Results: In Part One, Spearman's correlation analyses revealed that all three RAA global components were significantly and positively associated with intention: attitude toward the act (Spearman rho = .774, p<0.001), perceived norm (Spearman rho = .720, p <0.001), and perceived behavioral control (Spearman rho = .794, p<0.001). Ordinal logistic regression results revealed that intention to participate in physical activity programs could be predicted from all three RAA global components. In fact, of all predictor variables entered into the regression model, perceived behavioral control had the largest effect on intention meaning that for a one unit increase in an individuals perceived behavioral control, he/she was 10.36 times more likely to be in a higher level of intention, controlling for all other variables in the model (OR=10.36, 95% CI: 4.01-26.76). In addition, the Likelihood Ratio Chi-square test showed that the final model (including the three RAA global components and the five background variables) was significant (Chi-square=201.21, df=8, p <0.001). Moreover, the two pseudo R square values-Cox & Snell R Square and Nagelkerke R Square values were 0.732 and 0.832, respectively suggesting that between 73.2% and 83.2% of variability was explained in the final regression model. In Part Two, various themes emerged from each question, including the influence of the Black/African American community on participating in physical activity programs; the influence of race and ethnicity on participating in physical activity programs, and the influence of public policy figures/role models within the Black/African American community. In addition, strategies to help more Blacks/African Americans participate in physical activity programs were discussed by participants. Conclusion: In Part One, results showed that the RAA is an appropriate theoretical framework. Intention was predicted by a combination of the three RAA global components, attitude towards the act, perceived norm, and perceived behavioral control. In Part Two, results revealed that culture plays a critical role in influencing beliefs surrounding participation in physical activity programs. Public health professionals wanting to encourage participation in physical activity programs should focus on increasing positive attitudes toward participating in physical activity programs, increasing perceived norm to participate in physical activity programs, and especially, increasing perceived behavioral control among this specific population. In addition, it is of paramount importance that public health professionals understand the influence of culture and cultural factors, as these can play an integral role in influencing participation in physical activity programs among this specific population. |
