Self-Efficacy Expectations, BMI and Physical Activity in Appalachian Adolescents

Background/Purpose: Nationally, adolescents are not participating in recommended levels of physical activity (PA). As one of the most sedentary regions in the nation, adolescents in rural Appalachia are at a heightened risk for obesity and its related morbidities.  Despite well documented health concerns in the adult population, little research has been conducted with rural Appalachian adolescents.  This study explored the relationship between self-efficacy expectation (SEE) to overcome barriers to PA, body mass index (BMI) and days of moderate (MPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA) by rural Appalachian adolescents.

Method: :  Four-hundred and twenty-two 12^th graders, 198 males and 224 females, attending one of 11 high schools in a Midwestern, rural Appalachian region participated. Participant SEE, previous 7 days of MPA and VPA were determined via a self-report questionnaire. SEE was determined using the sum of item scores on the 7-item Self-Efficacy to Overcome Barriers Questionnaire (1-4 point scale).  Total days of MPA and VPA were determined using a modified version of the 7-day PA Recall Instrument.  BMI was calculated based on participant reported height and weight.

Analysis/Results: Two regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationship among SEE, BMI, and days of MPA and VPA. Results of a linear regression analysis for MPA indicated the model predicted 11.5% of the variance in days of MPA, (p < .001). Self-efficacy expectations were positively related to days engaging in MPA, (p < .001).  BMI was not a significant predictor of days engaging in MPA. Results of the second regression analysis for VPA indicated the model predicted 6.8% of the variance in days of VPA, (p < .001). Self-efficacy expectations were positively related to days engaging in VPA, (p < .001). BMI was not a significant predictor of days engaging in VPA. 

Conclusions: Self-efficacy expectations to overcome barriers to PA were positively related to MPA and VPA.  BMI was not a significant predictor of MPA or VPA. Policies and positive health messages supporting increased levels of involvement in PA for adolescents in the rural Appalachian areas may assist in efforts to increase activity levels for these youth. Future research assessing the impact of messages to improve SEE for PA on changes in PA and adolescents’ attitudes toward engaging in PA will advance knowledge in the field.