Women's Health Issues
Volume 22, Issue 2, 2012, Pages e225-e232

Physical Activity and Nutrition among Immigrant and Refugee Women: A Community-Based Participatory Research Approach (Article)

Wieland M.L.* , Weis J.A. , Palmer T. , Goodson M. , Loth S. , Omer F. , Abbenyi A. , Krucker K. , Edens K. , Sia I.G.
  • a Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
  • b Center for Translational Science Activities, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
  • c Department of Research, Olmsted Medical Center, Rochester, MN, United States
  • d Alliance of Chicanos, Hispanics and Latin Americans, Rochester, MN, United States
  • e Rochester Cambodian Church of the Nazarene, Rochester, MN, United States
  • f Multicultural Learning Center, Rochester, MN, United States
  • g Rochester Area Family YMCA, Rochester, MN, United States
  • h Center for Translational Science Activities, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
  • i Center for Translational Science Activities, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
  • j Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States

Abstract

Background: Immigrant and refugee populations arrive to the U.S. healthier than the general population, but the longer they reside, the more they approximate the cardiovascular risk profiles of the country. Among women, these declines are partly mediated by less physical activity and lower dietary quality upon immigration. Given the complex forces that influence these behaviors, a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach is appropriate. Therefore, a socioculturally responsive physical activity and nutrition program was created with and for immigrant and refugee women in Rochester, Minnesota, through a CBPR approach. Methods: Focus groups informed program content and revealed principles for designing the sessions. A 6-week program with two, 90-minute classes per week was conducted among 45 women (Hispanic, Somali, Cambodian, and non-immigrant African American). Average attendance was 22.5 women per class; 34 women completed the evaluation. Results: Evaluation revealed high acceptability (average overall score of 4.85 out of 5 on the Physical Activity Class Satisfaction Questionnaire). After the intervention, participants were more likely to exercise regularly (p ≤.001). They reported higher health-related quality of life (p ≤.001) and self-efficacy for diet (p =36) and exercise (p =10). Likewise, there were trends for weight loss (87 vs 83.4 kg; p =65), decreased waist circumference (99.6 vs 95.5 cm; p =35), and lower blood pressure (125/80 vs 122/76 mm/Hg; p =27). Conclusion: A CBPR approach to design and implement a socioculturally responsive fitness program was highly acceptable to immigrant and refugee women and demonstrated promising outcomes. Further testing of physical activity and nutrition interventions that arise organically from target communities are needed. © 2012 Jacobs Institute of Women's Health.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

physical activity immigrant Life Style refugee health promotion exercise Waist Circumference human Refugees controlled study feeding behavior Aged Minnesota African American program development quality of life health program Humans Hispanic weight reduction Emigrants and Immigrants female blood pressure fluctuation self concept Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice women's health Article Questionnaires program evaluation health education adult Food Habits Motor Activity participatory research Community-Based Participatory Research nutritional health nutritional status attitude to health Focus Groups
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84857691622&doi=10.1016%2fj.whi.2011.10.002&partnerID=40&md5=4dc99985e2421b1fd0fee8b5c188d16d
DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2011.10.002
ISSN: 10493867
Cited by: 38
Original Language: English