Understanding The Relationship Between Physical Activity Levels And Social Support Among ADRD Caregivers

作者：Imani Canton, Jacqueline Guzman, Susan Aguiñaga · 发表于：Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise · 年份：2023 · DOI：10.1249/01.mss.0000982272.89302.f5 · 研究领域：Physical Activity and Health、Health disparities and outcomes

About 11.2 million Americans are informal caregivers for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Studies indicate that caregivers are at elevated risk for adverse health outcomes. Data show that physical activity (PA) may improve health outcomes and that social support is a correlate of PA; yet little is known about ADRD caregiver PA levels and its relationship with social support. PURPOSE: To examine caregiver PA levels and the relationship between PA and social support. METHODS: Informal female caregivers (n = 299; Mage = 37.7 ± 13.8; Income < $75,000 [83%]) completed an online survey. PA was measured using the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire. Participants were classified as insufficiently active, moderately active, or active. Social support was measured by the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Descriptive statistics were used to determine PA levels and one-way MANOVA were conducted in SPSS. RESULTS: The sample was insufficiently active (20%), moderately active (15%), and active (65%). PA level was significantly associated with support from family [F(2, 268) = 4.07; p = .02], friends [F(2, 268) = 3.55; p = .04], and combined support from friends, family, and significant other [F(2, 268) = 3.76; p = .03]. Significant other support alone was not significantly related to PA levels. Scheffe post-hoc analyses showed that caregivers who were active compared to caregivers who were insufficiently active had higher support from fami...