Psychosocial Factors Associated With Physical Activity Among Low-Income Overweight or Obese Mothers with Young Children

Abstract

Purpose

Investigate the associations between psychosocial factors and physical activity.

Design

Secondary data analysis utilizing baseline data of a large-scale community-based randomized controlled lifestyle behavior intervention.

Setting

The Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children in Michigan, USA.

Subjects

Low-income overweight or obese mothers with young children (N = 740, 65% response rate).

Measures

Survey data were collected via phone interview. Predictors included self-efficacy, autonomous motivation, emotional coping, and social support. Self-reported leisure physical activity was the outcome variable. Covariates were age, race, smoking, employment, education, body mass index, and postpartum status.

Analysis

A multiple linear regression model was applied.

Results

Self-efficacy (β = .32, 95% CI = .11, .52, P = .003) and autonomous motivation (β = .10, 95% CI = .03, .17, P = .005) were positively associated with physical activity. However, emotional coping and social support were not associated with physical activity.

Conclusion

Future research should examine the longitudinal association of key psychosocial factors with physical activity.