Creating a culturally relevant community resource guide for physical activity and nutrition: A community based participatory approach

Physical activity (PA) and healthful eating (HE) significantly contribute to obesity prevention, yet rates of these behaviors are low, especially among low-income ethnic minority groups. Barriers to PA and HE include limited financial resources and low awareness of community resources. PURPOSE: engage community partners to create a locally-relevant PA and HE resource guide. METHOD: Potential partners in three southwest Kansas communities (40-60% Hispanic) were approached to collaboratively establish a community resource guide for PA and HE opportunities. Community partners included county extension agents, faith institutions, community foundations and coalitions, healthcare clinics, hospitals, health departments, parks and recreation departments, and adult education programs. Together, we combined PA and HE educational information with local low-cost and free resources for PA and HE (e.g., parks, trails, bicycle lanes, historical walking trails, sports facilities, fitness centers, ethnic markets, grocery stores, farmers markets and community gardens). Guides were assembled in English and Spanish and community partners provided feedback regarding their perception of the visuals, format/layout, language, readability and content. After incorporating this feedback the guide was distributed by community partners and organizations. DISCUSSION: Development of collaborative relationships to create a resource guide for PA and HE represents a positive first step in the community-based participatory approach to health promotion. Additionally, the guide provides English and Spanish-speaking community members with information for healthy PA and HE choices. Widespread dissemination of the guide in combination with other collaborative partnerships and community level health promotion programs may reduce obesity and chronic disease incidence in southwest Kansas communities.