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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Elva M. Arredondo, PhD, John Elder, PhD, MPH, Barbara Baquero, MPH, Nadia Campbell, MPH, and Gabriela Perez, BA. School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 9245 Sky Park Ct. Suite #201, San Diego, CA 92123, 619-594-3481, earredondo@projects.sdsu.edu

Introduction: The self-reported physical activity rates of Latinas are among the lowest in the U.S. The primary objectives of the pilot study were to: 1) assess Latinas' reports of individual and environmental level barriers to physical activity, 2) examine the feasibility of involving churchgoing Latinas in a program promoting physical activity, and 3) inform the development of a faith-based physical activity program.

Methods: Focus groups were conducted with churchgoing Latinas (n=36) 18 years and older from two pilot churches. Physical activity levels, church attendance, and socio-demographic characteristics were collected from participants.

Results: Minutes of moderate (M=24) and vigorous (M=22) physical activity per week were below recommended levels. The majority (63%) of participants reported attending church services weekly and interest in participating in a physical activity program. Economic barriers, lack of social support, lack of time management, lack of motivation, and family/work demands were barriers to physical activity. Social environmental influences, such as personal safety and fear of being stopped by the INS were barriers to physical activity. Physical environmental influences, such as broken sidewalks, lack of light on streets, lack of lights in parks, lack of trees, speeding cars, and lack of cross-walks were barriers to physical activity. Also, women provided suggestions on activities to include in the faith-based intervention.

Discussion: Study findings underscore the importance of targeting individual and environmental level characteristics associated with physical activity. Moreover, findings provide further evidence that faith-based health interventions may be an effective method to promote physical activity in churchgoing Latinas.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Describe ways in which a faith-based program can increase Latinas’ physical activity levels.
• 2. To identify individual and environmental factors that may influence the physical activity levels of churchgoing Latinas

Keywords: Physical Activity, Latinas

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No