Factors Contributing to Women's Ability to Maintain a Walking Program.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this descriptive study is to determine what strategies were most helpful for women to begin and maintain a walking program.

METHOD: Data from the field notes of a randomized clinical trial to promote walking in 97 women were used for the qualitative analysis discussed in this article.

FINDINGS: Overall, the majority of participants met the study goal of walking 90 minutes per week.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition, the participants reported other benefits, including becoming more physically fit, mental and emotional satisfaction, and stress reduction. Some of the barriers mentioned by participants were personal and/or professional obligations, weather, injuries and/or illnesses, and psychosocial factors. When benefits outweighed barriers, the participants had greater success meeting their walking goals.

IMPLICATIONS: Furthermore, the participants stated that making time, problem solving, internal motivation, and the support of family and/or friends were the most helpful factors in achieving their walking goals.