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Abstract: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program funded 40 communities in the United States during 1999-2007. Three of these communities implemented interventions to increase physical activity among African Americans. This case study looks at these interventions and the evidence-based recommendations from the CDC's Community Guide for Preventive Services. These recommendations address creating or improving access to physical activity and the dissemination of information via media campaigns. Findings suggest that although the evidence could not be applied in every respect, culturally-tailored change strategies can meet unique characteristics of African Americans with or at risk for heart disease and may contribute to increased physical activity. (Global Health Promotion, 2011; 18(1): pp. 43-46)
Keywords: African Americans, evidence-based practice, exercise, health promotion, organizational case studies, public health
Description
In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death; African Americans bear the preponderance of this disease (1). In 2005, deaths amongst African Americans from heart disease exceeded the US rate by 31% and African Americans were 1.3 times more likely to die from heart disease than their white counterparts (2). Furthermore, research has demonstrated a strong relationship between exercise and lowered risk for heart disease and its complications (2).
Three Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) community-based programs focused on increasing physical activity among African Americans with or at risk for heart disease:
* the Healthy Hearts Project, Have a Blast with a Splash (University of Nevada, Reno);
* the Association of Black Cardiologists' Physical Activity Program (Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness [FCHW], Atlanta, Georgia); and
* Wellness Within REACH: Mind, Body, and Soul (African American Health Coalition, Inc., Portland, Oregon).
These community coalitions implemented multi-component interventions to enhance existing physical activity programs or to create new programs accessible to African Americans. The University of Nevada, Reno, implemented year-round aquatic classes in kickboxing, Pilates, Tai Chi, yoga, and ball workouts. FCHW provided weekly aerobic classes at faith-based organizations and recreation centers. Similarly, the African American Health Coalition offered classes in water aerobics, Pilates, yoga, strength training, African dance, and low-high impact aerobics. The African American Health Coalition's classes were led by African American Lay Health Trainers, certified 'personal' fitness instructors.
The...