Practical Issues in Developing and Administering a Web-based Physical Activity Promotion Program for Korean American Midlife Women

Background. Web-based programs can deliver information and coaching/support related to physical activity to midlife women with high flexibility and accessibility. However, very few Web-based interventions are available for physical activity promotion for ethnic minority midlife women, especially for Asian women, and they hardly succeeded in increasing the women’s physical activity. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss practical issues in developing and implementing a Web-based physical activity promotion program among a group of Asian women—Korean American midlife women.

Methods. Throughout the research process, the research team wrote memos on practical issues raised. Also, the team had weekly research meetings to discuss and solve the raised issues, and the team meetings were recorded as written memos. Then, the data from the memos were analyzed using content analysis by Weber.

Results.Four themes emerged from the data analysis process. First, the participants frequently needed technical support and assistance to use the program although all had access to the Internet. Second, many participants thought they were doing adequate physical activities in their daily life, which made them hesitant to participate in the study. Third, some wordings in English used in the program needed to be carefully translated into Korean because of cultural differences in the nuances of the wordings. Finally, frequent reminders and encouragement were essential to retain the participants in the program.

Conclusions. Culturally appropriate approaches and technical assistance are essential to make Asian midlife women engaged in using a Web-based program for physical activity promotion.