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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2017 Jul;107(7):1109-1115.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2017.303785. Epub 2017 May 18.

Fe en Acción: Promoting Physical Activity Among Churchgoing Latinas

Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Fe en Acción: Promoting Physical Activity Among Churchgoing Latinas

Elva M Arredondo et al. Am J Public Health. 2017 Jul.

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 and motivational interviewing calls.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01776632.

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Figures

FIGURE 1—
FIGURE 1—
CONSORT Flowchart: Fe en Acción, San Diego County, CA, 2010–2016 aWrong phone number or unreachable. bCompleted survey, accelerometer, and/or anthropometric measures.

Comment in

  • Physical Activity and Physical and Mental Well-Being in Church Settings.
    VanderWeele TJ. VanderWeele TJ. Am J Public Health. 2017 Jul;107(7):1023-1024. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2017.303843. Am J Public Health. 2017. PMID: 28590873 Free PMC article. No abstract available.
  • Arredondo et al. Respond.
    Arredondo EM, Crespo N, Lopez NV, Elder JP, Haughton J, Sallis J, Perez L, Ayala G. Arredondo EM, et al. Am J Public Health. 2017 Dec;107(12):e24-e25. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2017.304122. Am J Public Health. 2017. PMID: 29116851 Free PMC article. No abstract available.
  • Measuring Physical Activity With Heart Rate Monitors.
    Hensen SJ. Hensen SJ. Am J Public Health. 2017 Dec;107(12):e24. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2017.304121. Am J Public Health. 2017. PMID: 29116852 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

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