Comparing predictors of intention for physical activity participation between normal and overweight military spouses
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Speed, S., Branscum, P., & Gresla, A. (2022). Comparing predictors of intention for physical activity participation between normal and overweight military spouses. Americal Journal of Health Education, 53(4), 248-255. https://doi.org/10.1080/19325037.2022.2071363
Abstract Created by REACH:
This study examined constructs related to military spouses’ intentions for engaging in aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity and examined if there were differences in these associations between normal weight and overweight/obese spouses. 248 spouses reported on their physical activity intentions and correlates of these intentions, including their cognitive and affective attitudes (i.e., thoughts and feelings, respectively); perceived norms regarding physical activity; and autonomy (feeling that the activity is within one’s control). Overall, spouses of a normal weight reported more activity intentions. Whereas cognitive attitudes were related to activity intentions for spouses of a normal weight, affective attitudes were related to activity intentions for spouses who were overweight.
Focus:
Physical health
Branch of Service:
Navy
Army
Marine Corps
Coast Guard
Air Force
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Subject Affiliation:
Spouse of service member or veteran
Population:
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Cross-Sectional Study
Quantitative Study
Authors:
Speed, Shannon, Branscum, Paul, Gresla, Alice
Abstract:
Background The Department of Defense (DOD) annually spends billions in medical care for military beneficiaries. Overweight and obesity are top concerns for dependents. Only 44% of military spouses (86% female, ages 25 to 34) meet Healthy People 2020 weight/BMI goals. Physical activity (PA) is an important modifiable behavior for preventing and treating obesity. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is a behavior change model that has been used in predicting PA behaviors.Purpose The purpose was to evaluate theory-based determinants of aerobic and muscle-strengthening PA among female military spouses.Methods Participants were recruited via social media to complete a modified version of an online survey measuring TPB constructs for aerobic and muscle strengthening PA.Results Regression models showed TPB constructs predicted significant variance of intentions to engage in PA (44.9% to 52.1%) for normal weight and obese/overweight military spouses.Discussion Results indicate interventions should differ by normal weight and overweight/obese due to differences in predictors of PA.Translation to Health Education Practice Future research should test these findings in experimental studies evaluating the effectiveness of intervention to create PA adherence based on weight status of military spouses and at multiple levels of the ecological to understand how the environment influences.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Taylor & Francis
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
Miami University, SS
Miami University, PB
Miami University, AG
Keywords:
obesity, behavior change, physical fitness
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
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