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Physical Activity Among Rural Men: Barriers and Preferences
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Physical Activity Among Rural Men: Barriers and Preferences

Jacob Gallagher, Emine O. Bayman, Lisa A. Cadmus-Bertram, Nathaniel D.M. Jenkins, Amy Pearlman, Kara M. Whitaker and Lucas J. Carr
Preventing chronic disease, Vol.20, 230046
10/05/2023
DOI: 10.5888/pcd20.230046
PMCID: PMC10557978
PMID: 37797290
url
https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd20.230046View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Introduction Physical activity positively affects health. Although 94% of Americans know the health benefits of regular physical activity, more than 75% do not achieve recommended levels. The objective of our study was to identify and define the key components of a physical activity intervention tailored to rural American men. Methods We recruited rural men (N = 447) via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk online platform to complete a needs assessment survey focused on their interest in a physical activity intervention, preferred intervention features, and potential intervention objectives. Data were summarized by using descriptive statistics. A cumulative logistic regression model examined associations between the men’s perceived importance of physical activity to health and their interest in a physical activity intervention. Results Almost all participants (97.7%) rated physical activity as “at least somewhat important” to their health, and 83.9% indicated they would be “at least somewhat interested” in participating in a physical activity intervention. On a scale of 1 (not at all a barrier) to 5 (very much a barrier), motivation (mean 3.4; 95% CI, 3.3–3.5), cold weather (mean, 3.4; 95% CI, 3.3–3.5), and tiredness (mean, 3.3; 95% CI, 3.2–3.4) were rated the biggest barriers to physical activity. Becoming fitter (54.1%) was the top reason for joining a physical activity program. Preferred delivery channels for receiving an intervention were mobile application (ranked from 1 being the most preferred and 9 being the least preferred: mean, 2.8; 95% CI, 2.70–3.09) and e-mail (mean, 4.2; 95% CI, 3.92–4.36). Rural men preferred interventions that taught them how to exercise and that could be done from home. Conclusion Our findings suggest US men in rural areas are receptive to physical activity programs. A systematic approach and a clear model of development are needed to tailor future physical activity interventions to the special needs of rural men.

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