Communicating and Assessing Physical Activity: Outcomes From Cognitive Interviews With Low-Income Adults

ObjectiveThis investigation sought to identify the physical activity (PA) terms and concepts that are best understood by low-income adults.DesignThis was a cross-sectional study using semistructured cognitive interviews that employed retrospective verbal probing techniques.SettingInterviews were conducted in Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) sites in New Jersey, Tennessee, and Washington.ParticipantsA convenience sample of 57 adults participating in or eligible for participation in EFNEP.Phenomenon of InterestParticipants’ interpretations and conceptualizations of PA concepts and terms.AnalysisTemplate and constant comparative analysis.ResultsParticipants interpreted many PA terms and concepts in unintended ways. Exercise was the term that came closest to conveying moderate to vigorous PA. Terms used to describe muscle-strengthening activities were mostly understood. Intentional engagement in extra activities was difficult for participants to conceptualize despite multiple tested wordings; making small changes to be active came closest to conveying this concept. Participants’ comprehension of the PA terms differed by their PA and literacy levels.Conclusions and ImplicationsNutrition educators should be mindful of the terminologies they used in communicating messages and assessing PA behaviors to EFNEP participants or similar populations.