Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing Vol. 32, No. 4, pp 321Y330 x Copyright B 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved. Influence of Socioeconomic Status and Perceived Barriers on Physical Activity Among Taiwanese Middle-Aged and Older Women Chia-Huei Lin, PhD, RN; Shang-Lin Chiang, MD, PhD; Patsy Yates, PhD; Wen-Chii Tzeng, PhD; Meei-Shyuan Lee, PhD; Li-Chi Chiang, PhD Background: Physical activity (PA) is associated with cardiovascular health in general populations, particularly in women. Middle-aged and older women are at high risk of less engagement in PA for unknown and complicated reasons. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate whether PA was positively associated with socioeconomic status and psychosocial correlates of PA (self-efficacy and perceived benefits) but inversely correlated with perceived barriers in women (age 940 years). Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 326 community-dwelling women was conducted. Data on socioeconomic status, PA, and its psychosocial correlates (ie, perceived benefits/barriers and self-efficacy) were collected using self-report questionnaires. Analyses were performed by multiple linear regressions. Results: Monthly income (" = .35, P = .015), employment status (" = .32, P G .001), and perceived barriers to PA (" = j.19, P = .008) were significantly associated with PA. More highly educated women participated in more (" = .13, P = .033) vigorous PA, women with fewer perceived barriers participated in more (" = j.14, P = .047) moderate-intensity PA, and employed women participated in more (" = .35, P G .001) walking. Significantly higher scores of perceived barriers, including ‘‘no trainer,’’ ‘‘feeling exhausted,’’ ‘‘lack of motivation,’’ and ‘‘lack of guidance,’’ were identified in women with low PA compared with those with moderate PA. Conclusion: Socioeconomic status and perceived barriers are associated with PA and its intensity level. Some specific barriers provide insights into the key factors that contribute to low PA in middle-aged and older women. These findings can be considered in future interventions to design PA promotion programs for this population to protect against cardiovascular diseases. KEY WORDS: perceived barriers, physical activity, socioeconomic status, women R egular physical activity (PA) has been associated with a wide array of physical, psychological, and social benefits. 1Y3 However, middle-aged and older women participate in less PA compared with men of the same age, particularly Asian women (eg, Taiwanese women). 4,5 Many middle-aged and older women tend to have sedentary lifestyles, 5 particularly as age increases. 4 In addition to age and sedentary lifestyle, menopause is another challenge faced by this population, as it is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and a higher risk of mortality. 6,7 Performing regular PA protects postmenopausal women against develop- ing cardiovascular diseases. A previous study demon- strated that middle-aged and older individuals who participated in greater PA reported a lower death rate than did those who engaged in less PA. 8 Promoting PA for this population is therefore important. Various models, including the health belief model, the transtheoretical model, and the self-determination model, propose that PA participation is influenced by physio- logical factors, behavioral factors, and psychological con- siderations. 9Y12 For example, to increase PA, Pender’s Health Promotion Model, a nursing middle-range theory 321 Chia-Huei Lin, PhD, RN Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, National Defense Medical Center, and Supervisor, Department of Nursing, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC. Shang-Lin Chiang, MD, PhD Lecturer, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, and Attending Physician, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC. Patsy Yates, PhD Professor and Head of School Faculty of Health, School of Nursing, and Director, Centre for Palliative Care Research and Education, Queensland University of Technology, Australia. Wen-Chii Tzeng, PhD Associate Professor, School of Nursing, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC. Meei-Shyuan Lee, PhD Professor, School of Public Health & Graduated Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC. Li-Chi Chiang, PhD Professor, School of Nursing & Graduated Institute of Medical Science, National Defense Medical Center & China Medical University, Taipei & Taichung, Taiwan, ROC. This study was supported by grants from the Tri-Service General Hospital research project (TSGH-C101-175) in northern Taiwan. The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. Correspondence Li-Chi Chiang, PhD, 161 Sec. 6 Mingchuan E Rd, Neihu 114, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC 115 (lichichiang@gmail.com). DOI: 10.1097/JCN.0000000000000354 Copyright © 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.