A church-based intervention to promote physical activity in Black adolescent girls

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Wanda M. Thompson (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Jie Hu

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to conduct a feasibility test of a 12-week church-based physical activity intervention that was culturally sensitive and age and gender specific that would affect attitudes of black adolescent girls that would increase participation in physical activity. The design for this proposed study was a one-group pre- and post-test design. Black adolescent girls, ages 12-18, were recruited from two predominantly black churches in Durham, North Carolina. Paired t-tests and repeated measures of ANOVA revealed no significant changes in key variables. Positive changes were noted with Odds ratios on attitudes, self-efficacy and intention. BMI, METs, and fitness showed positive trends from pre to post intervention. Family support was significantly correlated with one measure of physical activity level. Although, findings were not statistically significant, the intervention did created an interest in the girls for the need and continuation of physical activity. Conducting culturally tailored physical activity programs in black churches aimed at black adolescent girls are feasible and required to reduce the decline in physical activity during adolescence and the associated increases in obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease among this population.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2010
Keywords
Adolescent girls, African American girls, African American adolescents, black adolescent girls, Church-based programs, Culturally tailored programs, Interventions, Physical Activity, African American churches
Subjects
African American teenagers $xHealth and hygiene $z North Carolina.
African American churches $z North Carolina.
African American women $xHealth and hygiene $z North Carolina.
Exercise $x Social aspects.
Community development $x Religious aspects.

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