Cross-sectional study protocol for the Arabic Healthy Weight Project promoting active living and healthy eating among Arabic-speaking communities in South Western Sydney. Issue 3 (23rd March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kovai, Vilas; Arjunan, Punitha; Weber, Danielle; Rooney, Janelle; Jalaludin, Bin; Wardle, Karen; Williams, Mandy
• Is Part Of: BMJ open. Volume 9:Issue 3(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-03-23
• Subjects: Arabic Healthy Weight Project -- health promotion -- physical activity -- sugar-sweetened beverages; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; 610.72
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025502
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-6055

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: The South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) is home to nearly 75 000 Arabic-speaking people. Of these, nearly three quarters are overweight or obese and suffer from a range of chronic diseases. To address this, the Health Promotion Service of SWSLHD will conduct a community-based overweight and obesity prevention intervention (Arabic Healthy Weight Project, 2018–2021) with Arabic community members aged between 18 and 50 years. The intervention's main activities will include a comprehensive social marketing campaign and an 'Eat-Move-Live Healthy' programme. Methods and analysis: The project will be evaluated using a pre–postintervention study design to measure changes in practices in relation to physical activity, consumption of vegetables and intake of sugar-sweetened beverages. The evaluation will apply mixed data collection methods. The quantitative data will be collected using a face-to-face survey of 1540 participants from two independent samples (pre: 770 and post: 770). Descriptive and inferential statistical tests will be used to analyse the quantitative data. The qualitative component will use focus group discussions and interviews to evaluate the formative, process and follow-up phases of data collection. A combination of deductive and inductive methods of data analysis will be conducted using NVivo software. Ethics and dissemination: The protocol has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of SWSLHD (HREC/16/LPOOL/303). Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals.