Psychosocial factors influencing lifestyle physical activity engagement of African Americans with multiple sclerosis: A qualitative study

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is more common in African Americans than previously reported. African Americans with MS have a higher rate of secondary health conditions and a more rapid disease progression than their European American counterparts. Participating in physical activity can help decrease complications associated with MS and reduce secondary health conditions. However, there is a paucity of extant research on the psychosocial factors influencing physical activity levels of African Americans with MS. We conducted a qualitative study using the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) framework to identify psychosocial factors affecting motivation to engage in physical activity among African Americans with MS. We identified eight major themes associated with motivation to engage in physical activity: (a) acceptance and control of MS, (b) benefits of physical activity, (c) self-defined enjoyable physical activity, (d) autonomous motivation, (e) social support to engage in physical activity, (f) physical activity self-efficacy, (g) self-monitoring of physical activity level and changes, and (h) resilience coping. Findings of this qualitative research will be used to develop a self-regulation model of physical activity participation for African Americans with MS.