Perceptions of Exercise of Mall Walkers Utilizing the Health Belief Model

This study was undertaken to determine characteristics of mall walkers and their motivation for exercise, utilizing the Health Belief Model (HBM). The final questionnaire was completed by 123 male and female mall walkers from three different malls. Statistical analysis found significant differences among the variables' susceptibility, severity, barriers, and cues to action between those told to exercise by a physician and those not told to exercise by a physician. Significant differences were also found in the knowledge and severity variables based on educational levels of respondents. Males perceived significantly more barriers to walking in the mall for exercise than did females. Knowledge of exercise was significantly different between respondents less than 65 years of age and those 65 years of age or more. By determining the motivation for exercise, more effective strategies for designing, promoting, and implementing physical activity in older adults may be achieved. Implications for health educators and other health professionals are discussed.