Objectives. Physical inactivity is a leading cause of death and disability,
but very little is known about physical activity and its determinants amon
g socially disadvantaged and medically vulnerable adults. The purpose of th
is study was to assess physical activity and its correlates, including meas
ures of physical activity knowledge, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy,
among socioeconomically disadvantaged older adults.
Methods. A stratified random sample of 1,088 patients aged 55 years or olde
r was selected from an urban primary care center serving a predominantly lo
w-income population. Of the 1,088 patients sampled, 771 (71%) completed an
interviewer-administered questionnaire.
Results. A physical activity instrument, developed specifically for the pop
ulation being studied, showed an average of 65 minutes of physical activity
per week. Scores on a true-false knowledge quiz were no better than expect
ed by chance, and over two thirds reported symptom and perceived environmen
tal barriers to physical activity. Lower self-efficacy and greater symptom
and motivational barriers were found to be associated with less physical ac
tivity.
Discussion. Given the prevalence of inactivity, knowledge deficits, and per
ceived barriers to physical activity, population-specific interventions may
be required to improve rates of physical activity among socially disadvant
aged and medically vulnerable adults.