Date Available
4-25-2025
Year of Publication
2023
Document Type
Graduate Capstone Project
Degree Name
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
College
Public Health
Faculty
Maureen Jones, RN, PhD
Faculty
Richard Ingram, DrPH
Faculty
Rachel Hogg-Graham, DrPH, MA
Abstract
Physical activity is vital for human health. However, many adults in the United States and beyond do not reach the pre-determined recommended levels of activity needed for health benefits. Single-female caregivers present a unique and vulnerable population that is often more inactive than their partnered peers or single-male caregivers. The primary purpose of this cross-sectional investigation was to identify the prevalence of physical inactivity in single-family, female-led households and determine differences in personal factors and social determinants of health between single-female caregivers who indicated they were physically active compared to single-female caregivers who indicated they were not physically active. A secondary purpose was to examine the relationship among the social determinants of health variables and physical inactivity in single-female caregiver households and determine the odds the single-female caregivers who are physically inactive reported chronic health conditions. Lastly, explorations of these purposes in single-female caregiver households in Kentucky was performed. There was a 28.1% prevalence of physical inactivity. Single-female caregivers that were physically inactive had greater odds of having a history of many chronic health conditions compared to the single-female caregivers that were active. There was a significant relationship amongst education, income, BMI and physical activity. Women that had a higher education, lower BMI and higher income were more likely to be physically active. There were no differences in protective factors, such as access to a healthcare provider or insurance between the two groups of women. Healthcare providers and community health workers should explore existing physical activity promotion strategies to increase physical activity in single-female caregivers. Public health policies should be developed to ensure the resources needed to address the needs specific to these women.
Recommended Citation
Hoch, Johanna; Hogg-Graham, Rachel Dr.; Lyons, John Dr.; and Jones, Maureen Dr., "Physical Inactivity and Single-Female Caregivers" (2023). Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.). 377.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cph_etds/377
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons, Women's Health Commons
