Barriers and Facilitators to Walking and Physical Activity Among American Indian Elders
2011

Barriers to Walking and Physical Activity in American Indian Elders

Sample size: 75 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sawchuk Craig N., Russo Joan E., Bogart Andy, Charles Steve, Goldberg Jack, Roy-Byrne Peter, Buckwald Dedra, Forquera Ralph

Primary Institution: University of Washington

Hypothesis

What are the personal and built-environment barriers and facilitators to walking and physical activity among American Indian elders?

Conclusion

The study identified various barriers and facilitators that may influence walking and physical activity among American Indian elders.

Supporting Evidence

  • 73% of respondents reported walking each week.
  • Lack of willpower was the most commonly reported barrier.
  • Better health and being closer to interesting places were common walking facilitators.
  • Health-related quality of life was inversely related to physical activity barriers.

Takeaway

Many older American Indians find it hard to walk and be active because of personal reasons like lack of energy and willpower, but things like better health and pleasant weather can help them walk more.

Methodology

Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to analyze barriers and facilitators to walking and physical activity.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to self-reported data and lack of neighborhood data for built-environment features.

Limitations

Findings may not generalize to all American Indian populations, and the study's cross-sectional design limits causal inferences.

Participant Demographics

American Indian elders aged 50 to 74 years, with a mean age of 58.5 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

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