Andrea S Mendoza-Vasconez1,2,3, Nathaniel Badii4, Esther Solis Becerra4,5, Noe Crespo6, Samantha Hurst4, Britta Larsen4, Bess H Marcus5, Elva M Arredondo6. 1. Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University, 1265 Welch Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA. amenvasc@stanford.edu. 2. Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0725, USA. amenvasc@stanford.edu. 3. School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr, CA, 92182, San Diego, USA. amenvasc@stanford.edu. 4. Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0725, USA. 5. Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, Rhode Island, 02903, USA. 6. School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Dr, CA, 92182, San Diego, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The impact of physical activity interventions for Latina women can be enhanced by identifying and implementing strategies to achieve long-term physical activity maintenance. Physical activity promotion research has mainly focused on physical activity initiation and we know little regarding individual, interpersonal, or environmental factors that influence maintenance of physical activity. This study aimed to qualitatively explore and understand factors associated with maintenance and non-maintenance of physical activity among Latinas. METHODS: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 21 Latinas who increased their physical activity as a result of an intervention, and who completed a 3-month maintenance period without contact from research staff. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Important facilitators of physical activity maintenance described by participants included having made physical activity a habit; the ability to proactively overcome obstacles to engaging in physical activity, and satisfaction with outcomes obtained from engaging in physical activity. Additional facilitators mentioned by both maintainers and non-maintainers included having motivation, social support, and opportunities to be active. Both maintainers and non-maintainers reported high self-efficacy for PA maintenance in the future. CONCLUSIONS: Guiding intervention participants to form habits and to set realistic expectations could help them to independently continue engaging in physical activity upon completion of physical activity interventions. Teaching them skills to proactively overcome obstacles may also be important for physical activity maintenance.
BACKGROUND: The impact of physical activity interventions for Latina women can be enhanced by identifying and implementing strategies to achieve long-term physical activity maintenance. Physical activity promotion research has mainly focused on physical activity initiation and we know little regarding individual, interpersonal, or environmental factors that influence maintenance of physical activity. This study aimed to qualitatively explore and understand factors associated with maintenance and non-maintenance of physical activity among Latinas. METHODS: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 21 Latinas who increased their physical activity as a result of an intervention, and who completed a 3-month maintenance period without contact from research staff. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Important facilitators of physical activity maintenance described by participants included having made physical activity a habit; the ability to proactively overcome obstacles to engaging in physical activity, and satisfaction with outcomes obtained from engaging in physical activity. Additional facilitators mentioned by both maintainers and non-maintainers included having motivation, social support, and opportunities to be active. Both maintainers and non-maintainers reported high self-efficacy for PA maintenance in the future. CONCLUSIONS: Guiding intervention participants to form habits and to set realistic expectations could help them to independently continue engaging in physical activity upon completion of physical activity interventions. Teaching them skills to proactively overcome obstacles may also be important for physical activity maintenance.
Authors: Elva M Arredondo; Daniela Sotres-Alvarez; Mark Stoutenberg; Sonia M Davis; Noe C Crespo; Mercedes R Carnethon; Sheila F Castañeda; Carmen R Isasi; Rebeca A Espinoza; Martha L Daviglus; Lilian G Perez; Kelly R Evenson Journal: Am J Prev Med Date: 2015-11-18 Impact factor: 5.043