Does Perceived Safety Modify the Effectiveness of a Walking-Group Intervention Designed to Promote Physical Activity? Am J Health Promot 2018 Feb;32(2):423-431
Date
03/21/2017Pubmed ID
28317385Pubmed Central ID
PMC6091212DOI
10.1177/0890117117696443Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85041009983 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 4 CitationsAbstract
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.
Author List
Kwarteng JL, Schulz AJ, Mentz GB, Israel BA, Shanks TR, Perkins DWAuthor
Jamila L. Kwarteng PhD Assistant Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AccelerometryAdolescent
Adult
Female
Health Promotion
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Perception
Residence Characteristics
Safety
Waist Circumference
Walking
Young Adult
