Factors Predicting Physical Activity among Older Thais Living in Low Socioeconomic Urban Communities
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-2011
Publisher
Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council
Source Publication
Pacific Rim International Journal of Nursing Research
Source ISSN
1906-8107
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine if specific factors (physical activity self-efficacy, sense of community, social support, perceived physical and mental health, and neighborhood environment and facilities) predicted physical activity among 258 older Thais living in six registered, low-socioeconomic, urban communities across metropolitan Bangkok. The theoretical model was based on integrated concepts from Pender’s Health Promotion Model and the Social Ecological Model. The hypothesized model was tested using path analysis.
The final model explained 33%, 51% and 22% of the variance in physical activity, physical activity self-efficacy and sense of community, respectively. Physical activity self-efficacy was the most powerful predictor in explaining physical activity. Sense of community and perceived physical health had a positive direct effect and a positive indirect effect, through physical activity self-efficacy, on physical activity. Perceived mental health had a negative indirect effect on physical activity, through physical activity self-efficacy, but a positive direct effect on physical activity. Social support, as well as neighborhood environment and facilities, did not significantly predict physical activity. However, social support had a positive indirect effect on physical activity through sense of community. Neighborhood environment and facilities had a positive indirect effect on physical activity through sense of community and physical activity self- efficacy.
These findings provide a greater understanding of factors that predict physical activity among older Thais living in low-socioeconomic urban communities across metropolitan Bangkok. The results may be useful in the development of effective interventions and/or guidelines for promoting physical activity for older Thais.
Recommended Citation
Kraithaworn, Phachongchit; Sirapo-ngam, Yupapin; Piaseu, Noppawan; Nityasuddhi, Dechavudh; and Gretebeck, Kimberlee A., "Factors Predicting Physical Activity among Older Thais Living in Low Socioeconomic Urban Communities" (2011). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 855.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/855
Comments
Published version. Pacific Rim International Journal of Nursing Research, Vol. 15, No. 1 (January-March 2011): 39-56. Publisher link. © 2011 Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council. Used with permission.
Kimberlee Gretebeck was affiliated with the University of Michigan at the time of publication.