Different Strategies Contribute to Community Physical Activity Program Participation in Rural versus Metropolitan Settings

Abstract

Purpose.

Determine if recruitment methods are differentially related to the reach of a physical activity program in metro/urban vs. rural settings.

Design.

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting.

Kansas counties.

Subjects.

Ninety-four Cooperative Extension agents responsible for 102 counties.

Measures.

Promotional score, task force activity, and years of program delivery were assessed using a self-report survey. Reach was assessed for each county by dividing the number of participants by intended population using census data.

Analysis.

Rural/urban comparisons on reach were completed using a Mann-Whitney test. Multiple linear regression models were used to determine the relationship between independent variables and participation rate by setting type.

Results.

Metro/urban counties had lower mean participation rates than rural counties (z = −4.5; p < .001). In metro/urban counties, the regression on participation rate was significant (R² = .19; F = 4.09; p = .011), but only promotional score significantly contributed to the model (p = .003). In rural counties, the regression was also significant (R² = .34; F = 6.64; p = .001), with task force activity and years of delivery making significant contributions (p = .001 and p = .017, respectively).

Conclusion.

Interpersonal methods may be more effective in recruiting physical activity program participants in rural settings, whereas using a greater variety of promotional methods may be more effective in metro/urban settings.