Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume 10, Issue 4, 2008, Pages 379-387

Development of an ESL Curriculum to Educate Chinese Immigrants about Physical Activity (Article) (Open Access)

Taylor V.M.* , Cripe S.M. , Acorda E. , Teh C. , Coronado G. , Do H. , Woodall E. , Hislop T.G.
  • a Cancer Prevention Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (M3-B232), 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, United States, Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
  • b Cancer Prevention Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (M3-B232), 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, United States, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
  • c Cancer Prevention Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (M3-B232), 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
  • d Cancer Control Research Program, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • e Cancer Prevention Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (M3-B232), 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, United States, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
  • f Cancer Prevention Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (M3-B232), 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
  • g Cancer Prevention Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (M3-B232), 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
  • h Cancer Control Research Program, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Abstract

Regular physical activity reduces the risk of many chronic conditions. Multiple studies have shown that Asians in North America engage in less physical activity than the general population. One area for strategic development in the area of health education is the design and evaluation of English as a second language (ESL) curricula. The PRECEDE model and findings from focus groups were used to develop a physical activity ESL curriculum for Chinese immigrants. In general, focus group participants recognized that physical activity contributes to physical and mental wellbeing. However, the benefits of physical activity were most commonly described in terms of improved blood circulation, immune responses, digestion, and reflexes. The importance of peer pressure and the encouragement of friends in adhering to regular physical activity regimens were mentioned frequently. Reported barriers to regular physical activity included lack of time, weather conditions, and financial costs. The ESL curriculum aims to both promote physical activity and improve knowledge, and includes seven different ESL exercises. Our curriculum development methods could be replicated for other health education topics and in other limited English-speaking populations. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2007.

Author Keywords

Chinese immigrants Health education English as a second language (ESL) physical activity

Index Keywords

physical activity China immigrant Chinese Asian myotatic reflex exercise human middle aged economic aspect controlled study priority journal Aged social support peer pressure digestion psychological well being North America Humans curriculum development Asian Americans male Emigrants and Immigrants female Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article adult health education immune response English as a second language
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-45849140830&doi=10.1007%2fs10903-007-9085-3&partnerID=40&md5=04e9bc925eefae24f4ef4d20e8b7c4f3
DOI: 10.1007/s10903-007-9085-3
ISSN: 15571912
Cited by: 9
Original Language: English