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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2016 Mar:47:22-31.
doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2015.12.004. Epub 2015 Dec 4.

Healthy immigrant families: Participatory development and baseline characteristics of a community-based physical activity and nutrition intervention

Mark L Wieland  1 , Jennifer A Weis  2 , Marcelo M K Hanza  3 , Sonja J Meiers  4 , Christi A Patten  5 , Matthew M Clark  5 , Jeff A Sloan  6 , Paul J Novotny  6 , Jane W Njeru  7 , Adeline Abbenyi  8 , James A Levine  9 , Miriam Goodson  10 , Maria Graciela D Porraz Capetillo  11 , Ahmed Osman  12 , Abdullah Hared  12 , Julie A Nigon  13 , Irene G Sia  14
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Healthy immigrant families: Participatory development and baseline characteristics of a community-based physical activity and nutrition intervention

Mark L Wieland et al. Contemp Clin Trials. 2016 Mar.

Abstract

Background: US immigrants often have escalating cardiovascular risk. Barriers to optimal physical activity and diet have a significant role in this risk accumulation.

Methods: We developed a physical activity and nutrition intervention with immigrant and refugee families through a community-based participatory research approach. Work groups of community members and health scientists developed an intervention manual with 12 content modules that were based on social-learning theory. Family health promoters from the participating communities (Hispanic, Somali, Sudanese) were trained to deliver the intervention through 12 home visits during the first 6 months and up to 12 phone calls during the second 6 months. The intervention was tested through a randomized community-based trial with a delayed-intervention control group, with measurements at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months. Primary measurements included accelerometer-based assessment of physical activity and 24-hour dietary recall. Secondary measures included biometrics and theory-based instruments.

Results: One hundred fifty-one individuals (81 adolescents, 70 adults; 44 families) were randomized. At baseline, mean (SD) time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was 64.7 (30.2) minutes/day for adolescents and 43.1 (35.4) minutes/day for adults. Moderate dietary quality was observed in both age groups. Biometric measures showed that 45.7% of adolescents and 80.0% of adults were overweight or obese. Moderate levels of self-efficacy and social support were reported for physical activity and nutrition.

Discussion: Processes and products from this program are relevant to other communities aiming to reduce cardiovascular risk and negative health behaviors among immigrants and refugees.

Trial registration: This trial was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01952808).

Keywords: Community-based participatory research; Dietary quality; Immigrant refugee health; Physical activity.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study Overview. Flowchart shows patient enrollment and timeline of interventions.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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