Utilizing Social Determinants of Health to Elicit Perceived Control Beliefs About Physical Activity Among African Americans

This qualitative study explored African Americans’ perceived behavioral control (PBC) beliefs about how social determinants of health (SDoH) impact their physical activity behavior. Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted with African Americans aged 30–50 in Oklahoma. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed for themes by two independent coders. Economic stability themes represented beliefs that financial status facilitates physical activity, yet, employment duties impede physical activity. SES barriers to physical activity did not emerge within this relatively high SES sample. Neighborhood and built environment themes represented beliefs that accessibility facilitates physical activity, while inclement weather impedes physical activity. Although not a part of the question path, motivation emerged as a theme and represented beliefs about how motivation impacts physically active behavior in the absence of other SDoH barriers. This research can inform interventions developed to promote physical activity among African American adults in the central US.