What Motivates Older Sedentary People Living With HIV in the United States to Participate in an Exercise Trial? A Qualitative Study

Although exercise supports the physical function and health of older people living with HIV (PLWH), less than half of PLWH globally achieve recommended levels of activity. A qualitative descriptive design was used to determine what motivates sedentary PLWH, 50 years and older, to participate in an exercise trial. Interviews were conducted with PLWH who participated in an exercise trial ( n = 30) and PLWH who declined enrollment in the same exercise trial ( n = 4). The theory of planned behavior (TPB) guided a directed content analysis of the interviews. Data analysis identified four themes: (a) intention or motivation (perceived benefits, maintaining the exercise behavior over time), (b) attitudes (goals and preferences), (c) perceived behavioral control (barriers, facilitators, and self-efficacy), and (d) subjective norms (pressure from health care providers and social networks). Findings from our study contribute to informing the development of future exercise interventions or trials and to planning care to encourage a physically active lifestyle.