Bridget F. Melton

Promoting Physical Activity Through Student Life and Academics

Objective: A physical activity passport (PAP) was developed to increase student’s physical activity through the collaboration of student life and academics. The purpose was to measure the effectiveness of the PAP. Design: The research design used was a quantitative, descriptive, quasi-experimental design with experimental and control groups. Setting: This study investigated a mid-sized southeastern university in the USA. Method: Two hundred and seventy-eight undergraduates (159 females, 116 males) sampled from 12 physical activity courses participated (109 freshmen, 71 sophomores, 53 juniors and 42 seniors). There were 144 in the PAP group and 134 in the non-PAP group. Participants filled out the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) as well as a demographic questionnaire. Results: The results showed that those who participated in the PAP attended more than four times as many group fitness classes than did those who did not participate in the PAP. Furthermore, distinctive differences were found among students that might aid in future programming. Conclusion: Although results refuted the hypotheses, there were several future implications that could be drawn, most significantly the connection to future research involving self-determination theory.

Measuring Exercise Self-Efficacy in Pregnant Women: Psychometric properties of the Pregnancy-Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (P-ESES)

Background and Purpose: This study assessed the psychometric properties of a modified self-efficacy scale—the Pregnancy-Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (P-ESES). Methods: Pregnant women completed the P-ESES and physical activity questionnaires (N = 88). Results: Internal consistency was confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha (α = 0.838) and equal-length Spearman–Brown (α = 8.22). Squared multiple correlation coefficients were calculated showing 9 of 10 items with values greater than the desired .5. A nonrotated exploratory principal components analysis confirmed the same 9 of 10 items loaded on a single factor, accounting for 46.1% of the variance. Each item had an acceptable load value of .40 or higher. Conclusions: Initial testing of the P-ESES confirmed validity and reliability with the exception of 1 item from the original measure: “Exercising without physician approval.”

Body Weight Misconception and Maintenance Among Female African American College Students

The purpose of this study was to compare self-reported weight classifications with objectively measured body mass index (BMI) and weight management motivations among female African American (AA) students in a mid-size southeastern university in a rural setting. Participants were recruited from general health class to complete a brief survey, and their height/weight was measured. Chi-square tests were performed to investigate whether mismatch occurred between self-perceived weight classification and directly measured BMI, and the relationship between body weight loss effort and self-perceived body weight. Among the women who were classified as overweight or obese based on direct measurements, 29.63% and 11.59% felt they were normal weight, respectively. Almost one third of the overweight college females perceived their body weight incorrectly and body weight perception is a significant factor driving the body weight control efforts. Appropriate programs for body weight perception and weight control behavior for AA female college students should be developed and implemented.

Feasibility and Acceptability of Smartphones and Wearable Devices as an Intervention Tool for College-Aged African American Females in an Experimental Physical Activity Study

ABSTRACT Objective: The current study examined the feasibility and acceptability of using the commercially available Jawbone UP accelerometer and associated smartphone application, or “app,” to promote physical activity and sleep among college-aged African American females. Methods: Data were drawn from a larger randomized controlled trial, and focused on a subsample of college-aged African American females (n = 28) who were randomly assigned to receive a Jawbone UP accelerometer. A mixed-methodological research design was employed using data triangulation from quantitative data on usage, satisfaction, physical activity, and sleep patterns, which was coupled with qualitative data collected through focus groups. Results: At six weeks, retention (78.5%) and adherence (61.9%) to the smartphone app were high. Overall, 95.5% of the participants reported finding the UP Band helpful and the majority of participants agreed to strongly agreed that the physical activity (90.5%) and sleep (95.5%) features influenced awareness of such health behaviors. Qualitative data supported both the feasibility and acceptability with five main themes: ease of use, product design, self-awareness, physical activity and sleep motivation, and social desirability. Conclusion: After using the UP Band, participants in this study reported increased awareness of both their physical activity and sleep patterns. As such, the present study supports wearable technology and smartphone apps as viable and feasible interventions to promote health behaviors among college-aged African American females.

American Rural Women’s Exercise Self-Efficacy and Their Perceived Benefits and Risks of Exercise During

Though the positive link between physical activity and maternal health is well documented, physical activity declines during pregnancy and, internationally, rural mothers are less likely than urban mothers to engage in physical activity. Some evidence suggests that self-efficacy is related to sustained engagement in physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine self-efficacy, perceived benefits, and knowledge of safe exercise among 88 rural pregnant women in a southeastern region of the United States. Exercise self-efficacy was significantly related to maternal age and gestation. Women over age 26 years, and those in the second and third trimesters, scored significantly higher than younger women or those in the first trimester. Fifty-two percent (n = 46) of participants perceived that activity would decrease energy levels, 37.5% (n = 33) did not know that exercise can decrease the risk of gestational diabetes, and 47.6% (n = 41) were unaware that a mother who is overweight is more likely to have an overweight child. Results confirm a need for education to improve womens knowledge about health benefits and safety information related to physical activity during pregnancy.

American rural women's exercise self-efficacy and awareness of exercise benefits and safety during pregnancy: Exercise self-efficacy in pregnancy

Though the positive link between physical activity and maternal health is well documented, physical activity declines during pregnancy and, internationally, rural mothers are less likely than urban mothers to engage in physical activity. Some evidence suggests that self-efficacy is related to sustained engagement in physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine self-efficacy, perceived benefits, and knowledge of safe exercise among 88 rural pregnant women in a southeastern region of the United States. Exercise self-efficacy was significantly related to maternal age and gestation. Women over age 26 years, and those in the second and third trimesters, scored significantly higher than younger women or those in the first trimester. Fifty-two percent (n = 46) of participants perceived that activity would decrease energy levels, 37.5% (n = 33) did not know that exercise can decrease the risk of gestational diabetes, and 47.6% (n = 41) were unaware that a mother who is overweight is more likely to have an overweight child. Results confirm a need for education to improve womens knowledge about health benefits and safety information related to physical activity during pregnancy.