Promoting Fitness: Behavior, Knowledge, and Confidence of Extension Home Economists

This study investigated the personal exercise behavior, exercise knowledge, and perceived confidence of extension home economists (EHEs) in promoting exer cise in their communities. One hundred ten of 124 EHEs in Virginia completed a mailed questionnaire. Results indicated that the EHEs were fairly active, obtaining an average physical activity score of 9.2 ± 3.3 out of a possible 13. Scores on exercise knowledge averaged 10.1 ± 2.2 out of a possible 13. The Kuder‐ Richardson reliability estimate (KR20) of the exercise knowledge scores was .72. Overall, the EHEs were confident in writing and talking about exercise, but sig nificantly less confident about organizing exercise classes and evaluating the outcome of exercise. No significant associations were observed between exer cise knowledge and professional confidence in undertaking activities at work to promote community fitness. In contrast, personal physical activity scores corre lated significantly with exercise knowledge and with professional confidence in writing and talking with clients about exercise. Nonetheless, no significant cor relations were observed between physical activity scores and professional confi dence in arranging a class to promote fitness or in evaluating the outcomes of exercise programs in the community. It is suggested that continuing education training for EHEs encourage them to maintain physically active lifestyles and pro vide them with the skills needed to network with community agencies to promote community fitness more effectively.