Abstract
•Compared PA and SCT variables in Hispanic and non-Hispanic adults with MS•No ethnic differences in PA levels or SCT construct scores•Exercise self-efficacy and planning correlated with PA in both ethnic groups•Barriers self-efficacy related to PA only among non-Hispanic participants•Goal setting associated with PA only among Hispanic participants
Physical activity (PA) is lower in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) than the general population, partly explained by social-cognitive theory (SCT) variables. To date, little is known about PA and SCT constructs among Hispanics adults with MS, a group that experiences notable health disparities. We compared PA and SCT variables between Hispanic and non-Hispanic adults with MS and examined associations among these variables within each group.
Hispanic (n=35; mean age=41.5±12.5 years) and non-Hispanic (n=35; mean age=41.7±12.1 years) adults with MS completed online REDCap surveys. PA was measured using the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ). SCT constructs included exercise self-efficacy, barriers self-efficacy, outcome expectations, social support, goal setting, and planning. Group differences were evaluated using independent-samples t-tests, and associations between PA and SCT variables were examined with Spearman correlation coefficients.
No significant group differences were observed in PA or SCT constructs. Exercise self-efficacy was associated with PA in both groups (Hispanic: rs=0.43, p=0.010; Non-Hispanic: rs=0.58–0.56, p<0.001). Exercise planning was also associated with PA in both groups (Hispanic: rs=0.42, p=0.013; Non-Hispanic: rs=0.45, p=0.006). Barriers self-efficacy was associated with PA in the non-Hispanic group (rs=0.44–0.47, p=0.004–0.007) and with GLTEQ health contribution scores among Hispanic participants (rs=0.37, p=0.030). Goal setting was associated with PA only among Hispanic participants (rs=0.33, p=0.049).
Hispanic and non-Hispanic adults with MS demonstrated similar PA levels and SCT profiles. Exercise self-efficacy and planning were consistent moderate correlates of PA regardless of ethnicity. These results suggest that SCT may serve as a basis for interventions targeting PA in Hispanic and non-Hispanic adults with MS.