All ETDs from UAB

Advisory Committee Chair

Dori Pekmezi

Advisory Committee Members

Laura Q Rogers

Kevin R Fontaine

Robert Ostler

Gregory Pavela

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

2022

Degree Name by School

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) School of Education

Abstract

espite the strong evidence of physical activity benefits, the prevalence of physical inactivity and associated obesity continues to increase. Rural and cancer survivor populations with obesity, in particular, remain highly inactive and are at increased risk of comorbidities. Thus, physical activity interventions are needed to promote active lifestyles. However, before developing or adapting existing multi-level physical activity interventions, more research is needed to understand the necessary components to meet the needs and preferences of these unique populations. Therefore, this project involved identifying the gaps in literature followed by three studies to investigate the multilevel influences on physical activity in rural and cancer populations with obesity. This dissertation consists of three cohesive papers. Paper 1 is a systematic review of physical activity intervention barriers, facilitators, and preferences among individuals with obesity in rural counties. Paper 2 examined the associations between body mass index, physical activity, and related psychosocial factors among breast cancer survivors enrolled in a physical activity randomized controlled trial. Lastly, paper 3 assessed and described the built environment, programs and policies related to physical activity opportunity in six underserved rural Alabama counties.

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