Faith Based

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of social support, self efficacy, outcome expectations, and self regulation on social-cognitive determinants of physical activity for participants in a church-based health promotion study (Eileen, Wojcik, Winett and Williams, 2006). This study was carried out on the background of understanding of the role of physical activity in maintaining individual fitness and reducing risk for diseases. Although health experts have recommended engaging in physical exercises for at least 30 minutes not less than three days a week, it is evident that most Americans do not pass health fitness test. They cite lack of time and other inconveniences as reasons why they fail to engage in physical exercises. To understand factors that influence individual participation in physical activities, researchers have found it necessary to identify demographic factors that influence participation in physical activities. There are also psychosocial factors like self-efficacy, which is individual confidences in their ability to engage in physical exercises, social support, outcome expectations, and self regulation.

Participants for the study were chosen from metropolitan areas through the church.  Participants were among a large group of participants who had been selected to participate in health promotion intervention that targeted mainly adults.  The study assumed that since church attendance in Southern and rural areas of United States was regular, at least once a month, it could be used as an important part of a behavior change programs.

Participants for the study were chosen from 14 to 23 churches located in Southwest Virginia (Eileen et al., 2006).  All participants were recruited from Baptist and United Methodist churches because they represented the largest denomination group in south United States. Initially, 21 churches were contacted but they requested a meting with project investigators which was later followed presentation to ministers, lay leaders, and administrative boards. To ensure acceptance of the program, face-to-face recruitments and data collection procedures were made compatible with church schedules and protocols.

The recruitment process started with announcement of the project in pulpit and church bulletin. Colored brochures were mailed to each church member 10-14 days before the project was launched. A week before the launch, detailed information about the projected was inserted in the church bulletin.  The information in the project included eligibility, participant payments, and the research design.  The project was rolled on for 4-8 weeks but this depended on the size of the church. About half of the participants in each church (n = 1,914) showed their interest to participate in the study (Eileen et al., 2006). About 84% (999) completed assessment for the study and contributed data.  The initial assessment included height and weight, demographic, and psychosocial characteristics, log of all daily physical activities, and steps count pedometer. The study had 999 participants, of whom 66% were female while 21 were male African participants (Eileen et al., 2006).

Latent variables of physical activity were estimated using variables which had been measured in baseline assessment.  When participants were enrolled in the study they reported demographic factors like age, gender, racial and ethnic background. Social support was measured through a 5-point agree-disagree scale which was used to rate perceived family member support for their participation in physical exercises. Self-efficacy was measured using a 20 items in which participants used 10-point Likert-type scale to rate their self-efficacy (Eileen et al., 2006). Outcome expectation was measured using 9 items which asked participants to use 5-point agree-disagree scale. Self-regulation was measured using 5-point never-repeatedly scale. Physical activity was measured using a pedometer and step Counter and Physical Activity Log to measure their physical activity level in 1 week.

Overall level of physical activity was low and ranging. Members spent mean of 21.47 min/day in moderate-intensity exercise. About 73% of participants did not meet CDC/ACSM and Surgeon General Recommendations of 30 min/day (Eileen et al., 2006). About 33% reported no exercise at all (

The study found out that self regulation had strong effects on personal participation in physical activities as compared to other factors observed above. Self regulation was found to increase self efficacy and outcome expectations.  Those participants who have a higher level of perceived social support also showed higher level of self-regulation. However, when taken independent of self-regulation, self efficacy showed little effect. Social support was therefore a direct precursor to self efficacy and self regulation.  This model therefore provided a perfect fit to explain 46% of variance in physical activity level among the diverse adult groups that participated in the study (Eileen et al., 2006).