At a glance
ClinicalIndex Comparison RecordStandardized by ClinicalIndex from the ClinicalTrials.gov record · verify against the source.
Promoting Physical Activity in Churchgoing Latinas: Fe en Acción (Faith in Action)
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating Physical activity and Cancer screening for Chronic Disease. Completed, enrolled 436 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
The low prevalence of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among adult Latinas likely contributes to the high rates of cancer and other chronic diseases in this population. The goals of the current study, based largely upon the core principles of the Social Ecological Model, are to design, implement, and evaluate an innovative multi-level intervention promoting physical activity among churchgoing Latinas. The evidenced-based intervention targets three "tiers" of environmental influences (i.e., church, immediate neighborhood surrounding the church, and community) on activity, as well as MVPA-related personal factors (i.e.., interpersonal, cultural, and perceived environmental variables). The physical activity intervention will be compared with an attention-control condition providing health education on cancer screening and prevention. Sixteen churches will be randomly assigned to either the physical activity intervention or the attention-control condition. The primary aim of the study is to determine whether a multi-level intervention will increase MVPA among Latina churchgoers in the intervention condition relative to the attention-control condition.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
Promotoras led 6 free physical activity (PA) classes per week (2 walking groups, 2 cardio dance, and 2 strength training) at participating churches randomized to the intervention condition. Classes included prayer, warm-up, moderate-to-vigorous PA, cool-down, followed by discussion of a monthly health handout. Participants received copies of the handouts each month by mail, which promoted healthy PA habits. Promotoras conducted up to 5 motivational interviewing calls with each participant over the 2-year intervention using a guide to evaluate participants' PA engagement, barriers to being active, and solutions to those barriers. Promotoras advocated for changes to the social and built environments of the churches and surrounding neighborhoods in order to promote PA and healthy behaviors.
Promotoras provided a 6-session group-based workshop series on cancer screening and prevention (breast, cervical, colorectal, and skin cancers) at participating churches randomized to the attention-control condition. Participants received informational handouts developed by American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute to reinforce learning in addition to lists of local cancer screening resources. Promotoras conducted up to 4 motivational interviewing calls with each participant over the 2-year intervention to encourage screening, help overcome barriers to screening, and provide support for goals.