Student-Led Motivational Interviewing for Physical Activity Promotion among Rural Adults: A Feasibility and Acceptability Trial

Abstract

In many countries, rural residents have lower life expectancies and poorer health outcomes than urban residents. Adults living in rural Australia have lower physical activity levels than major city counterparts, contributing to this observed health disparity. As physical activity interventions in rural populations have shown minimal success, there is an urgent need for innovative and affordable interventions that facilitate active lifestyles in this vulnerable population. This study assessed the feasibility of physical activity-focused motivational interviewing, delivered by university health sciences undergraduates in a rural Australian region. “Health age” was assessed at baseline (n = 62) from physiological and behavioral measures, immediately followed by the motivational interview, with health age again assessed at 8 weeks follow-up. Mixed methods using a questionnaire (n = 41 at both time points) and one-on-one interview (n = 8) identified aspects of intervention acceptability and feasibility. A large majority rated the motivational interview as meaningful (98%), empathetic (96%), autonomy-focused (88%), and likely to lead to sustained behavior change (98%). Interviews highlighted several potential attitudinal and structural factors that might influence long-term behavior change. Further development of this strategy in rural regions will depend on a deeper understanding of individuals’ and communities’ awareness, attitudes, and beliefs in relation to active lifestyles.