Evaluation of a community program to increase physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption among a predominantly African American and Hispanic sample of women

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to determine if a sample of largely African-American and Hispanic, adult women enrolled in a community-based obesity prevention program show increased consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV), increased physical activity (PA), and decreased sedentary activity relative to their levels of these behaviors at the start of the program. A secondary objective is to examine if women who show greater improvements in perceived social support, greater self-efficacy, and greater use of strategies for facilitating change report higher engagement in physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption and lower engagement in sedentary behavior. Methods: The study used a quasi-experimental, single-group only pretest-posttest design where all participants received the intervention. Baseline data on key study outcomes (dietary behaviors, physical activity, and psycho-social factors) were collected pre- and post-intervention via self-administered questionnaires. Weight was measured and self-reported height was used to calculate BMI. The intervention took place in an East Austin church-based setting. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test specific aims, adjusting for age, ethnicity, and SES. Results: Twenty-eight women registered for the program, 22 women completed baseline, and 10 women completed post-intervention surveys. Analysis was conducted on these 10 women. The majority of respondents were between 30-49 years of age, were African American or Hispanic, and worked full-time. Although statistical significance could not be attained due to limited sample size, behavior changes and changes in BMI were in the expected direction. Women reported an increase in vigorous physical activity, a decrease in walking, and a decrease in sitting. BMI decreased with a majority of women showing weight loss. Women showed an increase in change strategies identified for FV consumption and increasing PA. There was no change in FV consumption or overall change in days per week of general or moderate physical activity. Conclusions: Women did not show an increased consumption of FV but did demonstrate an increase in physical activity, and decreased time spent sitting per week relative to their starting levels. There were no significant indications that women who showed greater improvements in perceived social support, greater self-efficacy, and greater use of strategies for facilitating change reported higher engagement in physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption and lower engagement in sedentary behavior. In order to accurately determine the feasibility and sustainability of such a program, a larger sample size and modified study structure, to include a control group, needs to take place