Perceptions And Use Of Internet-based Physical Activity And Health Resources Among Postmenopausal Women: A Qualitative Analysis.

Abstract

PURPOSE: With about 80% of women over age 50 reporting little/no regular physical activity (PA), this group is the most sedentary population in the U.S. Social media and new technologies provide an opportunity for home-based health promotion and behavioral interventions. PURPOSE: Use a qualitative approach to explore how women over age 50 use social media and online activities to access health information and participate in PA. METHODS: Telephone interviews were conducted on a sample of healthy women over the age 50 years. A semistructured interview guide was used to acquire information on common internet use, online health information search history, and history of accessing physical activity programming. Responses were transcribed and examined for recurring themes and language-based sentiments using established qualitative content analytic procedures. RESULTS: All women were in their mid-50’s with a mean age was 55.5 years (range 53-56 years). All women were peri- or post-menopausal, and were either married or widowed. Facebook was the most commonly used online social app and was used to “keep up” with family and friends, to access support groups and read health articles. Fitbit was used by the majority of interviewees to track daily steps, sleep patterns, and calories burned during workouts. The participants also liked the goal-setting, self-monitoring, and social component (competition/social comparison) provided by Fitbit. MyFitnessPal was a commonly used app to track activity and monitor the relationship between calories consumed and calories expended. A number of women, particularly those with health conditions, accessed online sources to research medications/drug interactions and learn more about their condition. Participants reported that they were distrustful of much online information and were skeptical of many health web sites. Additionally, the women indicated that they would like to see more age-related content and access to communities of women of similar age. CONCLUSIONS: Internet access to social groups and health/PA information is important to women over the age of 50. This demographic is receptive to information and interventions accessed online that are age-appropriate and include a strong social support component.