REACHing African Americans: Culturally-tailored approaches for increasing physical activity

In 2004, The National Center for Health Statistics reported that death rates for African Americans were 31.5% higher for cardiovascular disease than for whites. Research shows strong correlations between exercise and a lowered risk of cardiovascular disease and its complications. In 1999, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) communities to address the elimination of racial and ethnic health disparities. Three communities addressed cardiovascular disease (CVD) in African Americans through culturally-tailored approaches for increasing physical activity. Culturally-tailored exercise programs combine information and change strategies that are intended for a group.

REACH community data include risk factor survey data collected between 2002-2005. Data sources include annual surveys and details of grantee interventions described in a web-based management information system, progress reports, project websites, and publications.

In two years, two REACH communities showed an increase of 0.6-7%, the third community showed a greater increase of 9.2% of African Americans who were moderately or vigorously physically active. The data also shows that as African Americans decreased physical activity across one state, a REACH community in the same state had an increased trend of physical activity.

Culturally-tailored approaches were implemented to inform, engage, and encourage African Americans to increase their physical activity. These programs partnered with change agents, listened to community input, and implemented interventions tailored to their respective community needs and culture. Consequently, REACH communities experienced an increase in physical activity, thus preventing the onset and progression of CVD among participating African Americans.