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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Jamila L. Harris, BS, Shandowyn L. Parker, PhD, MPH, and Joan E. Cowdery, PhD. Department of Health Sciences and Administration, University of Michigan-Flint, 2102 WSW, 303 E. Kearsley, Flint, MI 48502, (810)424-5201, jamilah@umflint.edu

Background: African Americans residing in Flint, Michigan are disproportionately affected by diabetes. In addition, many undiagnosed individuals engage in sedentary lifestyles that put them at increased risk. Culturally appropriate and locally relevant materials are needed to engage this community in a physically active lifestyle. Several studies cite how a physically active lifestyle can prevent diabetes or result in improved health outcomes. Almost half of the population sampled in Flint report physical inactivity (46.9% exercise less than 1-2 days per week) which places them at risk for developing diabetes. In three zip codes (48503, 48504, and 48505) with large African American populations, 15.2%, 18.75%, and 18.5% of African American adults have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Methods: Project EXPORT, a NIH funded grant focused on addressing health disparities utilized needs assessment data from three focus groups and 200 surveys on diabetes assessing eating habits and physical activity needs. Needs assessment data was used to develop a culturally and locally relevant tool kit focusing on nutrition and physical activity. Pre test and post test analyses were conducted on effectiveness of tool kit. The purpose of the presentation is to discuss the development of a culturally appropriate physical activity intervention for African Americans.

Results: The toolkit was disseminated to participants (N=50) who reside in zip codes of interest. Results will be presented from the pre test post test analysis on the following variables: readability, skill building, behavioral intention to engage in physical activity, cultural appropriateness, and usability.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the steps that are involved in developing culturally appropriate and locally relevant materials for the priority population.
• Apply two community based participatory research techniques to develop an intervention for physical activity.
• Identify key elements required to measure readability.

Keywords: Participatory Research, Physical Activity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered