Abstract
Objectives. To evaluate the impact of a faith-based intervention to promote physical activity in Latinas. Methods. We randomized 16 churches in San Diego County, California, to a physical activity intervention or cancer screening comparison condition (n = 436). The intervention followed an ecological framework and involved promotoras.We examined 12-month intervention effects, including accelerometer-based moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; primary outcome) and secondary outcomes. We conducted the study from 2010 to 2016. Results. Mixed effects analyses showed significant increases in accelerometer-based MVPA (effect size = 0.25) and self-report leisure-time MVPA (effect size = 0.38) among Latinas in the intervention versus comparison condition. Participants in the intervention condition had about 66% higher odds of meeting the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines, had reduced body mass index (effect size = 0.23), and used more behavioral strategies for engaging in physical activity (effect size = 0.42). Program attendance was associated with increased self-reported leisure-time MVPA and the number of motivational interviewing calls was associated with meeting the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines. Conclusions. A faith-based intervention was effective in increasing MVPA and decreasing body mass index among participants. Process analyses showed the value of program attendance andmotivational interviewing calls.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1109-1115 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | American journal of public health |
Volume | 107 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2017 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health