Examining variations in perceived barriers and self-efficacy for physical activity among adults in underserved communities

The purpose of this study was to examine the relations between barriers, self-efficacy, and daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among adults within underresourced communities using 7-day accelerometry wear. A total of 84 adult staff from 24 underresourced afterschool programs (ASPs) completed the Self-Efficacy for PA Scale (perceived barriers) and Self-Efficacy for Exercise Questionnaire (self-efficacy). The results indicated no differences in the predominant types of PA barriers by race for adults, but European American adults reported slightly more PA barriers than African American adults within these underrecourced communities. Perceived barriers were negatively related to daily MVPA. Self-efficacy (the mediator variable) was significantly and positively related with daily MVPA. Contrary to what was expected, perceived barriers were positively related with self-efficacy. In the full mediation model, self-efficacy served as a significant mediator between barriers of PA on staff MVPA. This study highlights the negative impact of barriers on ASP staff MVPA that can be attenuated by self-efficacy and suggests that addressing barriers of culture and environmental factors, promoting self-efficacy, and exploring effective model characteristics continues to be an important research direction for future ASP staff health initiatives.Trial registration Connect Through PLAY: A Staff-based Physical Activity Intervention for Middle School Youth (Connect). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03732144 . Registered 11/06/2018. Registration number: NCT03732144.