Abstract 11667: Physical Activity and Nutrition Self-Efficacy Associates With Self-Reported Cardiovascular Health Behaviors in African Americans: The Washington, DC Cardiovascular Health, and Needs Assessment

Abstract

Background: Increased self-efficacy may improve health behavior, but little is known about the relationship between physical activity (PA) and nutrition self-efficacy and cardiovascular health behaviors associated with weight loss among African Americans (AAs). Methods: Examined the associations between PA and nutrition self-efficacy and self-reported PA and nutrition behaviors using AA data from the Washington DC CV Health and Needs Assessment, a community-based participatory research study. All completed the PA and Nutrition Self-Efficacy (PANSE) scale with sub-scores measuring participants’ self-efficacy for engaging in PA and nutrition behaviors (higher scores= greater self-efficacy). PA types (moderate-leisure PA, vigorous-leisure PA, and strength training) and dietary (red meat, fast foods, sodas, and vegetables) behavior scores were calculated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for self-report PA or the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dietary screener for consumption of specific food products. Linear regression models were used to assess the associations between PANSE sub-scores and corresponding PA or dietary behavior adjusting for covariates. Results: Participants (N=117) were predominantly women (82.1%), mean age=59.4 (SD±12.3) years with mean BMI 32.6 (SD±7.0) kg/m2. While PA self-efficacy remained significantly and positively associated with self-reported moderate leisure PA and strength training, nutrition self-efficacy remained significantly and negatively associated with consumption of fast foods and sodas after adjusting for covariates (Table 1). Conclusion: PA and nutrition self-efficacy are associated with self-reported PA and nutrition behaviors among AAs. Interventions that augment self-efficacy may be particularly important in improving cardiovascular health behaviors by enhancing PA and nutrition behaviors aimed at weight loss among AAs.