Exploring the influence of faith-based organizations on physical activity in rural Southwest Georgia

In an attempt to understand the influence of faith-based organizations on physical activity (PA), we conducted qualitative interviews with long-time residents of two counties in rural Southwest Georgia using a community-based participatory approach. African-American and Caucasian adults (>50 years) were identified through purposive sampling; fifty-eight in-home interviews were tape recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed for themes. Of the 58 participants, 51.7% were African-American; 51.7% were male; 41.4% had less than a high school education; the average age was 62.8 years; and 73% of African-American and 93% of Caucasian participants attended church at least once a month. Findings suggest that although participants felt it was appropriate to discuss PA at church, church leaders seldom discussed PA. Concern over possibly offending church members was cited as one of the perceived reasons for the lack of discussion. More Caucasian participants reported that their churches had facilities to encourage PA at church than did African-American participants. Available programs and/or facilities were often discussed as being geared toward children rather than adults. Interpersonal relationships also play a factor—most Caucasian and about half of African-American participants reported having discussed walking as a form of exercise with friends at church; many discussed the importance of combining both diet and exercise in weight control. Faith-based organizations in rural Southwest Georgia may have opportunities to improve physical activity among church members. Participants expressed that church-led exercise programs or verbal support would encourage them to be more physically active.