Term of Award

Spring 2023

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Health (Dr.P.H.)

Document Type and Release Option

Dissertation (open access)

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Department

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health

Committee Chair

Andrew Hansen

Committee Member 1

Kelly Sullivan

Committee Member 2

Dziyana Nazaruk

Abstract

Introduction. Although research has highlighted the benefits of physical activity in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), they are still more likely to live an inactive lifestyle. There are limited studies that examine the relationship between physical activity and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) among the MS population. This study aimed to explore the factors that associate with physical activity intent of adults with MS utilizing the constructs of the TPB. Methods. This study utilized a cross-sectional online survey done via a social media platform. There were 326 respondents to the survey and ultimately 249 surveys that met the criteria were included for analysis. Multiple linear regression, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the 49-item questionnaire. Results. The results indicated attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were each statistically significant in their association with physical activity intent. The top three barriers found to be the most frequently problematic among adults with MS were “too tired”, “impairment” and “concern about safety”. The findings also show that the relationship between perceived barriers is statistically significant with intent to be physically active among adults with MS. Discussion. The TPB offers a valuable framework for predicting intentions to perform physical activity among adults with MS. The findings suggested a need for more specified programs focused on the barriers commonly seen among adults with MS.

Research Data and Supplementary Material

No

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