Citation

Grassi K, Gonzalez MG, Tello P, He G. J. Health Educ. 1999; 30(Suppl 2): S13-S17.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance)

DOI

10.1080/10556699.1999.10603423

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The role of physical activity in the prevention of chronic illness is recognized. Latinos have higher than average rates for several chronic illnesses and lower than average rates for participation in leisure time physical activity. A community-based physical activity intervention that was designed by and for Latino families residing in rural cities located in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California is described in this article. Walking clubs were designed to provide skill-building opportunities and a flexible structure to accommodate fluctuating periods of participant availability. Walking clubs also provided low-impact, low-cost activities that were self-paced and included all family members. In this article we consider (1) whether participation in physical activity increases over time and (2) whether perceived barriers to physical activity decrease over time. A cohort of 202 was surveyed at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year. Information on type and frequency of physical activity and barriers to physical activity was self-reported. The general linear model was used to measure changes in frequency, and chi-square measures were used to detect changes over time for barriers identified. The findings emphasize the challenges that arise with self-reported information, and we describe the lessons learned in evaluating physical activity programs.

Language: en