Physical Activity Barriers and Assets in Rural Appalachian Kentucky: A Mixed-Methods Study

Natalie Jones, Deirdre Dlugonski, Rachel Gillespie, Emily DeWitt, Joann Lianekhammy, Stacey Slone and Kathryn M. Cardarelli
Additional contact information
Natalie Jones: Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
Deirdre Dlugonski: Sports Medicine Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
Rachel Gillespie: Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
Emily DeWitt: Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
Joann Lianekhammy: Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
Stacey Slone: Department of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
Kathryn M. Cardarelli: Department of Health, Behavior & Society, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40504, USA

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 14, 1-12

Abstract: Obesity is an increasing public health concern in the U.S. and a contributor to chronic illness, with trends revealing a rise in adult obesity and chronic disease rates among the most vulnerable and disadvantaged populations, including those in rural communities. A mixed-methods approach was used to examine perspectives on perceived physical activity barriers, resources, and level of community support. Researchers utilized the socioecological model to examine the multiple domains that support physical activity in rural Appalachia. The present study focuses on baseline data, including a cohort survey to assess physical activity, health status, and barriers to physical activity, and five focus groups with elected community leaders, community residents, members, and key stakeholders to assess perspectives on physical activity barriers and resources within the county. The cohort survey sample ( N = 152) reported a median of 6 barriers (range 0–13) to participating in at least 30 min of physical activity daily. The qualitative analysis yielded three overarching themes related to physical activity participation: lack of motivation, physical environment, and cultural barriers. This mixed-methods study revealed the challenges and perceptions among rural residents across the socioecological model when assessing physical inactivity. Findings can be used to tailor future interventions focused on expanding social support, designing infrastructure, and creating policies that promote physical activity.

Keywords: physical activity; rural; socioecological model; community-based participatory research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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