Social Influence and Motivation to Change Health Behaviors among Mexican-Origin Adults: Implications for Diet and Physical Activity

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether influence from social network members is associated with motivation to change dietary and physical activity behaviors. DESIGN: Baseline assessment followed by mailing of family health history-based personalized messages (2 weeks) and follow-up assessment (3 months). SETTING: Families from an ongoing population-based cohort in Houston, Texas. SUBJECTS: 475 adults from 161 Mexican-origin families. Out of 347 households contacted, 162 (47%) participated. MEASURES: Family health history, social networks, and motivation to change behaviors. ANALYSIS: Two-level logistic regression modeling. RESULTS: Having at least one network member who encourages one to eat more fruits and vegetables (p = .010) and to engage in regular physical activity (p = .046) was associated with motivation to change the relevant behavior. About 40% of the participants did not have encouragers for these behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of new encouragers within networks and targeting natural encouragers (e.g., children, spouses) may increase the efficacy of interventions to motivate behavioral changes among Mexican-origin adults.