The purpose of this study was to identify cultural, environmental and policy determinants of physical activity for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in ethnic/minority women aged 20-50 years. This was part of a multi-site project done in cooperation with 7 universities throughout the US. Following an extensive literature review 9 core research questions were created to examine social, environmental and policy factors as potential barriers or enablers of physical activity. Methods and findings presented here are from the site that involved low-income, urban, African American women. Three focus groups were held at each of two health centers serving communities in this large urban area that are predominantly African American (67% to 99.2%), low income (median family income $9,336 to $24,877) and have households headed by women (50.4% to 74.5%). The six focus groups were moderated by an experienced female African American nurse researcher/clinical psychologist, and a nurse practitioner/researcher assistant moderator. A total of 48 women participated in the focus groups with a range of 5 to 11 in each group. The participants were predominately unmarried (85%). Forty percent had less than a high school education and 33% were neither employed nor attending school. Findings reflected the influence of a culture of poverty, environmental safety issues and the importance of family and peer support on the activity of these women. Findings will be used to inform the development of community based exercise interventions and policy that are culturally and socially sensitive to the needs of low-income African American women. CDC SIP5-99
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the particpants in this session will be able to: 1. Identify those cultural and environmental factors that facilitate and inhibit physical activity among low-income, urban, African American women. 2. Discuss how cultural and environmental determinants of physical activity can influence appropriate policy and development of interventions that serve minority and low-income women.
Keywords: Physical Activity, Women
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.