Social Influence and Motivation to Change Health Behaviors among Mexican-Origin Adults: Implications for Diet and Physical Activity

Abstract

Purpose.

To evaluate whether influence from social network members is associated with motivation to change dietary and physical activity behaviors.

Design.

Baseline assessment followed by mailing of family health history–based personalized messages (2 weeks) and follow-up assessment (3 months).

Setting.

Families from an ongoing population-based cohort in Houston, Texas.

Subjects.

475 adults from 161 Mexican-origin families. Out of 347 households contacted, 162 (47%) participated.

Measures.

Family health history, social networks, and motivation to change behaviors.

Analysis.

Two-level logistic regression modeling.

Results.

Having at least one network member who encourages one to eat more fruits and vegetables (p = .010) and to engage in regular physical activity (p = .046) was associated with motivation to change the relevant behavior. About 40% of the participants did not have encouragers for these behaviors.

Conclusions.

Identification of new encouragers within networks and targeting natural encouragers (e.g., children, spouses) may increase the efficacy of interventions to motivate behavioral changes among Mexican-origin adults.