Translating research to the community: Can a community-based book club increase physical activity among women long-term?

Advisor Information

Jennifer Huberty

Location

Milo Bail Student Center Ballroom

Presentation Type

Poster

Start Date

8-3-2013 9:00 AM

End Date

8-3-2013 12:00 PM

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe physical activity (PA), self-worth (SW), and self-efficacy (SE) at one-year follow-up among women who participated in Fit Minded (FM). FM is a community-based PA book club in which a facilitator targets theoretical constructs and SW during weekly book discussions. Women were asked to complete questionnaires assessing their PA, SW, and SE at baseline, post -program (8 months), and one year after FM (20 months). At one-year follow-up, women were invited to participate in a phone interview. Fifteen of 17 women who participated in FM consented to participate in this study. Twelve women participated in one-year follow-up (mean age = 48 years), with 3 completing questionnaires only, 3 the interview only, and 6 both. PA and SE increased from baseline (PA=1.9 hours per week; SE=40%) to post (PA=4.8 hours; SE=70%) and from baseline to follow-up (PA=3.0 hours; SE=62.3%). SW marginally increased from baseline (2.4) to post (2.5) to follow-up (2.6). All women reported increased awareness and changed perceptions of PA. Women who remained active at follow-up reported prioritizing themselves and PA and using social support to overcome their barriers. Women who struggled to remain active reported not prioritizing PA and needing FM to hold them accountable. Few studies have evaluated the potential of community programs to effect PA behavior change long-term. A community-based book club may be promising for improving women’s PA adherence. Consistent with previous research, many women attributed their continued PA to improved SW. Further research with a larger sample is warranted.

Additional Information (Optional)

Winner of Best Graduate Poster Presentation

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COinS
 
Mar 8th, 9:00 AM Mar 8th, 12:00 PM

Translating research to the community: Can a community-based book club increase physical activity among women long-term?

Milo Bail Student Center Ballroom

The purpose of this study was to describe physical activity (PA), self-worth (SW), and self-efficacy (SE) at one-year follow-up among women who participated in Fit Minded (FM). FM is a community-based PA book club in which a facilitator targets theoretical constructs and SW during weekly book discussions. Women were asked to complete questionnaires assessing their PA, SW, and SE at baseline, post -program (8 months), and one year after FM (20 months). At one-year follow-up, women were invited to participate in a phone interview. Fifteen of 17 women who participated in FM consented to participate in this study. Twelve women participated in one-year follow-up (mean age = 48 years), with 3 completing questionnaires only, 3 the interview only, and 6 both. PA and SE increased from baseline (PA=1.9 hours per week; SE=40%) to post (PA=4.8 hours; SE=70%) and from baseline to follow-up (PA=3.0 hours; SE=62.3%). SW marginally increased from baseline (2.4) to post (2.5) to follow-up (2.6). All women reported increased awareness and changed perceptions of PA. Women who remained active at follow-up reported prioritizing themselves and PA and using social support to overcome their barriers. Women who struggled to remain active reported not prioritizing PA and needing FM to hold them accountable. Few studies have evaluated the potential of community programs to effect PA behavior change long-term. A community-based book club may be promising for improving women’s PA adherence. Consistent with previous research, many women attributed their continued PA to improved SW. Further research with a larger sample is warranted.