Clusters of midlife women by physical activity and their racial/ethnic differences

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to identify clusters of midlife women by physical activity and to determine racial/ethnic differences in physical activities in each cluster. Methods This was a secondary analysis of the data from 542 women (157 Non-Hispanic [NH] Whites, 127 Hispanics, 135 NH African Americans, and 123 NH Asian) in a larger Internet study on midlife women’s attitudes toward physical activity. The instruments included the Barriers to Health Activities Scale, the Physical Activity Assessment Inventory, the Questions on Attitudes toward Physical Activity, Subjective Norm, Perceived Behavioral Control, and Behavioral Intention, and the Kaiser Physical Activity Survey. The data were analyzed using hierarchical cluster analyses, ANOVA, and multinominal logistic analyses. Results A three cluster solution was adopted: Cluster 1 (high active living and sports/exercise activity group; 48%), Cluster 2 (high household/caregiving and occupational activity group; 27%), and Cluster 3 (low active living and sports/exercise activity group; 26%). There were significant racial/ethnic differences in occupational activities of Clusters 1 and 3 (all p<.01). Compared with Cluster 1, Cluster 2 tended to have lower family income, less access to health care, higher unemployment, higher perceived barriers scores, and lower social influences scores (all p<.01). Compared with Cluster 1, Cluster 3 tended to have greater obesity, less access to health care, higher perceived barriers scores, more negative attutides toward physical activity, and lower self-efficacy scores (all p<.01). Conclusions Midlife women’s unique patterns of physical activity and their associated factors need to be considered in future intervention development.

A multi-study approach to refining ecological momentary assessment measures for use among midlife women with elevated risk for cardiovascular disease

“…This is a large and diverse group that has high healthcare utilization and costs (22), despite prevention and intervention efforts to lower their health risks. Existing evidence indicates that midlife women's cardioprotective behaviors, such as physical activity engagement and dietary choices, are influenced by their perceptions of their social environments [e.g., social support for healthy behavior, negative judgments from others (23)(24)(25)]. As both social perceptions and health behaviors vary within and across days, weeks, and months, as well as between people (26)(27)(28)(29), intensive assessments could be crucial for understanding at what level(s) these processes are associated among midlife women.…”

Socioecological factors influencing physical activity engagement for women across the menopausal transition: a systematic review

“…21 However, little is known about the patterns of physical activity for women during midlife. 22 Many adults worldwide do not engage in sufficient levels of physical activity. One British study reported that 38% of women aged 45 to 54 years did not achieve the recommended guidelines, and 30% of those who exercised stated that they became "less [physically] active" during menopause.…”

“…By considering multiple factors that influence physical activity, researchers and practitioners can better inform the development of physical activity programs for women during menopause transition and midlife. 22 This systematic review is the first to use a socioecological perspective to investigate the barriers and enabling factors influencing engagement in physical activity by women during the phases of menopause. Understanding these factors will guide the development of interventions and tailor strategies toward increasing women's physical activity.…”

“…Guidelines suggest 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week for those aged 18 to 64 years and muscle-strengthening activities 2 days or more a week 21 . However, little is known about the patterns of physical activity for women during midlife 22 . Many adults worldwide do not engage in sufficient levels of physical activity.…”

Relations between social comparisons and physical activity among women in midlife with elevated risk for cardiovascular disease: an ecological momentary assessment study

“…Consistent with several theories of health behavior, including social-cognitive theory (Bandura, 1998 ) and Midlife Women’s Attitudes Toward Physical Activity Theory (MAPA; Im et al, 2010 ), perceptions of the social environment are key to PA engagement in this group. For example, more (vs. less) positive perceptions of social norms for PA are associated with greater PA engagement among women in midlife (Im et al, 2011 , 2017 ; Janssen et al, 2014 ). Social comparisons , or self-evaluations relative to others (Festinger, 1954 ) represent a specific set of social perceptions that may have similar influences on midlife women’s PA, but these relations have received little attention.…”