Predictors of Physical Activity among Women in Genesee County between the Ages of 40-60

The pilot study explored factors that Flint area women, between the ages of 40 and 60, cited as influencing their daily physical activity. Better understanding of factors that influence physical activity may lead to more appropriate and effective health promotion messages and programs. In depth interviews were carried out with fifteen women between the ages of 40 and 60 in Genesee County. Qualitative theory guided the interview process and data analysis. Recurring themes from interviews were identified and categorized using the ecological model. Although subjects identified influences on their exercise behavior within each of the five levels of the ecological model (intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community or public policy), women most often cited institutional supports when suggesting ideas for activity promotion. Interventions in the institutional level, such as work-site health promotion, may be most successful to increase physical activity among this cohort.Master'sSchool of Health Professions and Studies: Health EducationUniversity of Michiganhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/117697/1/Doerr.pd