A Church‐Based Intervention to Change Attitudes about Physical Activity among Black Adolescent Girls: A Feasibility Study. Issue 3 (5th October 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thompson, Wanda M.; Berry, Diane; Hu, Jie
• Is Part Of: Public health nursing. Volume 30:Issue 3(2013:May/Jun.)
• Page Start: 221
• Page End: 230
• Publication Date: 2012-10-05
• Subjects: Public health nursing -- Periodicals; 610.734
• DOI: 10.1111/phn.12009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0737-1209

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="phn12009-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="phn12009-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>To feasibility test a 12‐week church‐based physical activity intervention that was culturally sensitive, age‐ and gender specific directed at changing attitudes of Black adolescent girls' to be more physically active.</p> </sec> <sec id="phn12009-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Design and Sample</title> <p>A one‐group pre‐ and posttest design was used. A convenience sample of Black adolescent girls between the age of 12–18 (<italic>n</italic> = 41).</p> </sec> <sec id="phn12009-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Intervention</title> <p>A 60‐min 12‐week church‐based program that included interactive educational sessions followed by a high energy dance aerobics class was used.</p> </sec> <sec id="phn12009-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Measures</title> <p>Data were collected on biophysical measures. Surveys were used to assess the following variables: attitudes, enjoyment, self‐efficacy, intention, social and family support, and PA levels.</p> </sec> <sec id="phn12009-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Paired <italic>t</italic>‐tests and repeated measures ANOVA revealed no significant changes in key variables. Positive changes were noted in the odds ratios for attitudes, self‐efficacy, and intention. Body mass index, metabolic equivalent tasks, and fitness showed positive trends from pre to post intervention. Family support was significantly correlated with physical activity level (<italic>p</italic> < .01).</p> </sec> <sec id="phn12009-sec-0006" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>The study showed that physical activity programs in Black churches aimed at Black adolescent girls are feasible. Participants evaluated the intervention very favorably. Family support may be a key factor in increasing physical activity levels in Black adolescent girls.</p> </sec> </abstract>