The Profiles of Diet- or Exercise-Related Self-Efficacy and Social Support Associated with Insufficient Fruit/Vegetable Intake and Exercise in Women with Abdominal Obesity

TL;DR

This study identifies profiles of self-efficacy and social support related to diet and exercise in women with abdominal obesity, finding that low levels are linked to poor healthy behaviors.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel approach using latent profile analysis to identify distinct behavioral profiles linked to insufficient diet and exercise in abdominally obese women.

Findings

Women with low diet self-efficacy and social support had insufficient fruit/vegetable intake.

Women with low or medium-low exercise social support were more likely to have insufficient exercise.

Medium exercise social support is associated with poor exercise behaviors, suggesting early intervention is needed.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Prioritizing diet- or exercise-related self-efficacy and social support with their interactions may improve the effectiveness of interventions aimed at increasing daily fruit/vegetable intake and exercise, thereby reducing the risk of metabolic disorders in abdominally obese women. This study aimed to identify the profiles of diet- or exercise-related self-efficacy and social support among women with abdominal obesity, examine profiles related to insufficient fruit/vegetable intake and exercise, and explore associating factors of these profiles. Methods: A cross-sectional investigation in central south mainland China collected sociodemographic, anthropometric, and health-related variables, diet-related self-efficacy (Diet-SE) and social support (Diet-SS), exercise-related self-efficacy (Exercise-SE) and social support (Exercise-SS), and daily fruit/vegetable intake and exercise. We used latent profile analysis to identify distinct profiles, and binary logistic regression to examine the profiles’ behaviors and associating factors. Results: A total of 327 abdominally obese women were categorized into four profiles of Diet-SE and Diet-SS, and five profiles of Exercise-SE and Exercise-SS. Women in the Diet Dual-Low Group were associated with insufficient daily fruits/vegetables intake. Women in the Exercise Dual-Low Group or Exercise-SS Medium–Low Group were more likely to engage in insufficient daily exercise. Conclusions: Our findings align with previous evidence that women with low diet- or exercise-related self-efficacy and social support are at increased risk for insufficient daily fruit/vegetable intake or exercise. Additionally, medium Exercise-SS is associated with insufficient exercise behaviors, suggesting that interventions targeting healthy exercise should be initiated earlier among women with medium Exercise-SS, rather than waiting for it to decline to low level.

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