Does Perceived Safety Modify the Effectiveness of a Walking-Group Intervention Designed to Promote Physical Activity?. Issue 2 (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kwarteng, Jamila L.; Schulz, Amy J.; Mentz, Graciela B.; Israel, Barbara A.; Shanks, Trina R.; Perkins, Denise White
• Is Part Of: American journal of health promotion. Volume 32:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 423
• Page End: 431
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: walking groups -- physical activity -- perceived safety -- supportive environments -- underserved populations -- interventions; Health promotion -- Periodicals; Health Promotion; Health promotion; Periodicals; Periodicals; 613.05
• DOI: 10.1177/0890117117696443
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0890-1171

Abstract

Purpose: To examine whether perceived safety modified the effectiveness of the Walk Your Heart to Health (WYHH) intervention in promoting physical activity and reducing central adiposity in predominantly non-Latino black (henceforth black) and Latino communities. Design: Generalized estimation equations were used to assess modifying effects of perceived safety on the route and perceived neighborhood safety on (1) WYHH participation at 8 weeks and 32 weeks, (2) associations between participation and physical activity, and (3) associations between physical activity and central adiposity. Setting: Community-based and faith-based organizations in black and Latino communities. Participants: There were 603 adults, aged 18 years and older, who were predominantly black, Latino, and female. Measures: Participation and physical activity (piezoelectric pedometer) were measured at each walking session. Perceived safety on the route (questionnaire), perceived neighborhood safety (questionnaire), and waist circumference were measured at baseline, 8 weeks, and 32 weeks. Analysis: Secondary analysis of repeated measures using generalized estimation equations. Results: Retention was 90% at 8 weeks and 64% at 32 weeks. Perceived safety on the route, but not perceived neighborhood safety, dampened participation at 8 weeks but not 32 weeks. Consistent participation in the intervention increased physical activity and reduced central adiposity irrespective of perceived safety on the walking route or perceived neighborhood safety. Conclusion: Efforts to improve safety in conjunction with interventions focused on increasing physical activity can work toward improving physical activity for blacks and Latinos, leading to a myriad of improved health outcomes including reduced central adiposity.