Social Cognitive Correlates of Physical Activity in Black Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Objective To examine variables from social cognitive theory as correlates of physical activity in black and white individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Design Cross-sectional. Setting National survey. Participants Black (n=151) and white (n=185) individuals with MS were recruited through the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis Registry. Intervention Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures The battery of questionnaires included information on demographic and clinical characteristics, physical activity, exercise self-efficacy, function, social support, exercise outcome expectations, and exercise goal setting and planning. Results Black individuals with MS reported significantly lower levels of physical activity compared with white individuals with MS. Physical activity levels were significantly correlated with self-efficacy, outcome expectations, functional limitations as impediments, and goal setting in black participants with MS. The pattern and magnitude of correlations were comparable with those observed in white participants based on Fisher z tests. Conclusions Researchers should consider applying behavioral interventions that target social cognitive theory variables for increasing physical activity levels among black individuals with MS.