Barriers to Physical Activity Participation in a Texas-Mexico Border Community: Associations With Motivational, Physical, and Environmental Barriers

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Physical activity (PA) is important for overall well-being, but participation remains low in underserved Texas-Mexico border communities. This study, part of a local needs assessment, examined how motivational, physical, and environmental barriers relate to PA and sedentary behavior among adults in Brownsville, Texas. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 144 adults in Brownsville, Texas. Participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form and rated 12 perceived barriers to PA across 3 domains: motivational, physical, and environmental. Multiple linear regression models examined associations between barriers and PA levels (moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA] and light PA [LPA]) and sedentary behavior (sitting time), adjusting for age, gender, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS: Difficulty initiating PA was significantly associated with lower MVPA (B = -462.46, P < .001). Feeling too tired after work (B = 137.28, P = .002) was associated with greater sitting time, whereas having a busy day (β = -152.54, P = .001) and limited recreational access were associated with less sitting time (β = -102.95, P = .04). No barriers were significantly associated with LPA. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the need for multilevel interventions that address both psychological and contextual challenges to PA in border communities. Tailored strategies that enhance self-efficacy, reduce fatigue, and improve environmental safety may help reduce disparities in PA engagement and sedentary behavior.