Preferences, Perceptions and Top Motivators to Physical Activity among Young and Middle-Aged Adults are not Influenced by Income or Education Level

M. Felicia Cavallini^1, and David J. Dyck²

¹Physical Education (Exercise Science), Limestone University, 1115 College Dr. Gaffney, South Carolina 29340

²Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1

Cite this paper

M. Felicia Cavallini and David J. Dyck. Preferences, Perceptions and Top Motivators to Physical Activity among Young and Middle-Aged Adults are not Influenced by Income or Education Level. American Journal of Public Health Research. 2020; 8(5):154-162. doi: 10.12691/AJPHR-8-5-4

Abstract

Despite knowing the benefits of physical activity (PA), the majority of Americans are not meeting our national PA guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) plus 2 or more strengthening activities per week. Multiple studies have pointed to a positive correlation between education and PA participation while other studies did not show this relationship. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between participants’ income and education level to their i) attitudes and preferences for being active, ii) perceptions related to PA and exercise, and iii) top motivators to be physically active. In a two-phase, mixed methodology focus group study in South Carolina, facilitated group discussions were conducted (Phase I) with 175 participants from 13 groups. Questions were asked regarding their preferences, associations, perceptions and top motivators to PA and exercise. Based on the feedback from Phase I, a research generated survey was designed and administrated (Phase II) to the same community groups (229 valid surveys). The survey asked questions on preferences to PA, descriptors and perceptions associated with PA and exercise, and the respondent’s top motivators to PA. The results of this study indicated there was no significant influence of education level or total household income on peoples’ preferences for PA, perceptions associated with PA and exercise and chief motivators to PA. Although socioeconomic status and education can impact one’s participation level in PA, in this case, there was no indication participants differed in their responses, regardless of their education and income background. Therefore, health and medical professionals should not assume there are major differences across adults in how they promote, motivate, and educate communities to be more physically active to meet the American PA guidelines. It is vital people like and embrace their PA choices for long lasting health.

Keywords

income, education, preferences, perceptions, motivators, physical activity, exercise

Copyright

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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