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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Renee E. Walker, MPH¹, Tina L. Harralson, PhD¹, and Betty J. Turner, ABD². (1) Center for Urban Health Policy and Research, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, One Penn Blvd. 4442 Wister Tower, Philadelphia, PA 19144, 215-951-8137, walkerr@einstein.edu, (2) Center in the Park, 5818 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144

BACKGROUND: Physical activity and nutrition interventions targeting minority populations often face challenges related to cultural traditions, perceptions/attitudes towards health and well being, body image, and economics. Center in the Park (CIP) is a multi-service, community-based organization serving a large low to moderate income African American population. A 12-week program addressing physical fitness, nutrition education, and chronic disease self-management was initiated. Our Center collaborated with CIP to improve the quality of the program by ensuring a culturally competent approach to programming. The study objective was to better understand facilitators and barriers to increasing physical activity and promoting proper nutrition by exploring cultural influences among African American elders. METHODS: Focus groups were conducted to identify facilitators and barriers to physical activity and nutrition by understanding the influence of culture. Audiotaped recordings were transcribed and analyzed for themes. RESULTS: Facilitators identified were having a network of social support, having access to a community center that provides exercise and meals, and having the knowledge regarding proper diet and exercises to make healthy lifestyle changes. Identified barriers included unsafe communities plagued with violence, family traditions surrounding food preparation and utilization, being isolated from others, and the perceived costs of eating nutritious foods. CONCLUSION: Facilitators and barriers to physical activity and nutrition were identified. Findings suggest that services that 1) offer healthy alternatives for preparing favorite foods, 2) provide healthy, affordable food options, and 3) encourage participation in effective community programs are needed for increasing physical activity and proper nutrition among African American elders.

Learning Objectives:

• To identify facilitators and barriers to increasing physical activity and promoting proper nutrition among african american elders.
• To understand the influence of culture on program adherence and sustainability.

Keywords: African American, Aging

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No