Examining Change in Theory-based Physical Activity Beliefs of Culturally Diverse Older Adults

Abstract

Using the theory of planned behavior as the theoretical framework, the purpose of this study was to elicit the salient modal physical activity (PA) beliefs and to examine changes in the modal PA beliefs before and after a 16-week pilot PA intervention in culturally diverse older adults. Participants were 48 adults between the ages of 50 and 93 years (71% Black, 56% ≤ high school education, 65% ≤ US$20,000 annual income) who were recruited for a pilot PA intervention. Beliefs were elicited before and after the intervention, and changes in the beliefs were analyzed qualitatively. Changes were detected in the modal beliefs. Future research should focus on interventions that target salient modal beliefs in this population to determine quantitative changes in ratings of beliefs and behavior.