Physical activity among adult somali women: The cultural adaptation of an evidence-based intervention

Physical activity (PA) is recommended as an important health behavior for warding off a host of chronic diseases; however, the minority of U.S. adults currently meets recommended PA guidelines. While data is sparse, pilot data suggests that PA among adult Somalis is lower than average despite rapidly shifting obesity and chronic disease profiles in the years following resettlement. Preliminary research with the local Somali community identified unique cultural and religious barriers that influence opportunities to engaging in PA, such as religious practices related to dress and the challenges of living in resource poor, low-income communities. While there are many evidence-based interventions promoting PA among sedentary populations, none have been adapted or tested with the large and growing Somali community in the U.S. The current research describes the process of piloting a program previously shown to be successful with White and Latino sedentary populations. Based on adaptation guidelines, a series of steps will be detailed that describe the translation and back-translation of measures, the formation of a community panel to provide oversight, and conducting cognitive interviews and focus groups to identify key issues in adaptation. In particular, the pilot testing focuses on ways of addressing limited PA resources within the community, low levels of knowledge of intentional PA for health benefits, low levels of literacy, and the methods and materials for intervention. Key findings and implications for future efforts with the Somali and other refugee and Muslim communities will be discussed.