The Influence of Perceived Access to Healthy Food and Physical Activity on the Subjective Health of African Americans in Rural Communities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the presence of food deserts on the subjective health of rural residing African Americans. The authors also examined the potential moderating role of physical activity. Data were part of a larger health assessment project. In this study, African Americans (156 women, 49 men) taking part in this study lived in rural central Texas. Results indicate that whereas participants did not perceive a lack of healthy food, they did perceive financial barriers to obtaining such diet options. Further analyses revealed that the presence of food deserts interacted with physical activity levels to predict subjective health: when activity levels were low, food deserts were negatively associated with subjective health, but these effects were nullified when physical activity levels were high. African Americans living in rural settings face unique challenges to obtaining and consuming healthy food, and as a result, health can suffer. These negative effects can be countered though by engaging in the recommended levels of moderate physical activity.