Open AccessExamining the Relationship Between Physical Activity and Self-Efficacy for Exercise Among Overweight and Obese Marshallese Adults
Author(s) -
Pearl A. McElfish,
Brett Rowland,
Aaron J. Scott,
Janine Boyers,
Christopher R. Long,
Holly C. Felix,
Joseph Keawe‘aimoku Kaholokula,
Ka’imi Sinclair,
Zoran Bursac,
Sheldon Riklon
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of immigrant and minority health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.758
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1557-1920
pISSN - 1557-1912
DOI - 10.1007/s10903-021-01194-8
Subject(s) - overweight , medicine , physical activity , obesity , public health , odds ratio , logistic regression , odds , gerontology , physical activity level , demography , physical therapy , nursing , sociology
This study examined associations between physical activity frequency and self-efficacy for exercise (SEE) among Marshallese adults in the United States. Data were collected from overweight and obese Marshallese participants (N = 378) enrolled in a Diabetes Prevention Program trial. Logistic and ordinal logistic regressions were employed to examine associations between physical activity and SEE, adjusting for covariates. SEE was significantly associated with engaging in sufficient total physical activity [odds ratio (OR) = 1.70], moderate physical activity (OR = 2.23), and vigorous physical activity (OR = 2.13). Unemployment was associated with less frequent moderate physical activity (OR = 0.59). Younger age (OR = 0.98), being male (OR = 2.67), and reporting excellent health (OR = 3.14) or good health (OR = 2.06) were associated with more frequent vigorous physical activity. Physical activity is a modifiable lifestyle behavior associated with many chronic disease disparities faced by the Marshallese community, and the study results will be useful for practitioners and researchers working to address these disparities.