In depth interviews were carried out with fifteen women between the ages of 40 and 60 in Genesee County. Qualitative theory guided the interview process and data analysis. Recurring themes from interviews were identified and categorized using the ecological model.
Although subjects identified influences on their exercise behavior within each of the five levels of the ecological model (intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community or public policy), women most often cited institutional supports when suggesting ideas for activity promotion. Interventions in the institutional level, such as work-site health promotion, may be most successful to increase physical activity among this cohort.
