Vicarious Experience in Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) Is Associated with Greater Odds of Attaining the Recommended Leisure-Time Physical Activity Levels.

Abstract

Social cognitive theory posits that observing similar others succeed (i.e., vicarious experience) can improve self-efficacy. However, there are very limited data on the utility of vicarious experience in promoting physical activity (PA). This analysis examined the association between vicarious experience and leisure-time PA (LTPA) in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Cross-sectional analysis of MESA participants who completed exam 5. LTPA and neighborhood factors were self-reported. Neighborhood factors were converted into aesthetic, walking, and safety scores. Group comparative analyses evaluated differences in variables of interest. The relationship between vicarious experience and recommended LTPA (≥7.5 MET-h/week) was assessed via logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported. Participants (N=4579) were older (69.7±9.4years), 53% female, 41% Caucasian, 26% Black, 21% Hispanic, and 12% Chinese. Those who reported vicarious experience had 45% (95% CI 1.16-1.81) greater odds of attaining recommended LTPA. Unfavorable walking score was associated with lower odds of attaining recommended LTPA (OR=0.89, 95% CI 0.79-1.00). The aesthetic and safety scales were not associated with LTPA (OR=1.00 [95% CI 0.89-1.13] and OR=0.91 [95% CI 0.82-1.10], respectively). Programs exposing community-dwelling adults to peers engaging in PA could provide an effective public health approach to increase community-level PA participation.