An investigation of exercise behaviors and barriers to exercise among community-dwelling adults of diverse cultural groups

Authors

Alicia Fernandez-Fernandez, Florida International University

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Physical Therapy

First Advisor's Name

Helen Cornely

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Awilda R. Haskins

Third Advisor's Name

Neva Kirk-Sanchez

Date of Defense

7-26-2002

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate exercise habits in different cultural groups in order to provide guidelines for health promotion interventions. A 21-item survey with demographic information and standardized scale questions was completed by 140 individ ls. The two largest subgroups were Hispanics (n=101) and non-Hispanic whites (n=23). Statistical analysis indicated that (I) non-Hispanic whites reported significantly higher outs of exercise; (2) there were no significant differences in exercise frequency or barriers to exercise between the groups; (3) income and health status influenced exercise habits; and (4) lower health status scores were related to higher frequencies of barriers to exercise describing health limitations.

Factors such as ethnicity , income, or health status influence exercise habits, and health promotion interventions should be tailored to these characteristics. Health behaviors, however, are ultimately unique to each individual. A careful analysis of personal needs that avoids stereotypes must be performed to obtain optimal outcomes.

Identifier

FI15101384

Recommended Citation

Fernandez-Fernandez, Alicia, "An investigation of exercise behaviors and barriers to exercise among community-dwelling adults of diverse cultural groups" (2002). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3311.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/3311