Examining the Associations of and Interactions Between Intrapersonal and Perceived Environmental Factors With Objectively Assessed Physical Activity Among Rural Midwestern Adults,USA

Abstract

Purpose

We investigated associations of intrapersonal and environmental factors with objectively assessed weekly moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) minutes, and their interactions in rural adults.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

14 rural towns participating in a multilevel intervention to promote physical activity.

Sample

Baseline data from 241 rural community members (19% losses due to missing data).

Measures

Self-reported demographics, behavioral factors, and neighborhood environment perceptions. Weekly MVPA minutes were assessed using accelerometry data.

Analysis

Generalized linear models using a negative binomial distribution examined associations of and interactions between intrapersonal and environmental correlates with weekly MVPA.

Results

Older age (β = −1.37; P= .025) and identifying as a woman (β = −.71; p= <.001) were inversely associated with MVPA. Self-efficacy (β = .34; p = <.001) and trail use (β = .44; P-value = .003) were directly associated with MVPA. Further, among women, perceived safety from traffic was inversely associated with MVPA (β = −.37; P = .003), while indoor recreational facility access was directly associated with MVPA (β = .24; P = .045).

Conclusions

Rural residents, especially women, face disproportionately lower MVPA levels. Improving recreational access and self-efficacy may be effective strategies for increasing MVPA.