Abstract
BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) has demonstrated a decreased risk in various cancers and other chronic diseases; however, rural residents are less likely to attain recommended levels of PA compared to urban and suburban counterparts. Given rural residents make up 15% of the United States population, there is a need for novel approaches to increase PA among this population. The goal of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of a multilevel intervention to increase PA rates among rural residents.Methods/designGuided by an ecological framework, a group-randomized design will be used to evaluate the effects of a three-level intervention for increasing PA among adult residents residing in 6 rural communities (n = 600) along with 6 control communities (n = 600). The intervention includes components at the individual (short message service [SMS] text messages), interpersonal (social support in walking groups), and community levels (events at existing trails). Innovative methods to encourage participation will be employed as well as a focus on life priorities (family, recreation, hobbies) other than health. Aim 1 includes a literature review and key informant interviews to determine the local contexts for intervention adaptation. Aim 2 will employ a set of interventions at the individual, interpersonal, and community-levels to evaluate their impact on moderate-to-vigorous PA as measured by self-reported (telephone survey) and objectively assessed (accelerometry) measures. These data are supplemented by location based on Global Positioning System and community audits, which provide information on recreational amenities, programs/policies, and street segments.DiscussionThis study is among the first of its kind to test a multilevel intervention in a rural setting, address life priorities that compliment health outcomes, and examine moderation between behavioral interventions and the natural environments where people are physically active. Our results will influence the field by enhancing the ability to scale-up innovative, PA interventions with the potential to reach high-risk, rural populations.Trial registrationClinical Trials NCT03683173, September 25, 2018.
Highlights
Physical activity (PA) has demonstrated a decreased risk in various cancers and other chronic diseases; rural residents are less likely to attain recommended levels of PA compared to urban and suburban counterparts
This study is among the first of its kind to test a multilevel intervention in a rural setting, address life priorities that compliment health outcomes, and examine moderation between behavioral interventions and the natural environments where people are physically active
The present study aims to utilize feedback from community members and key stakeholders to deliver an effective and tailored multilevel intervention
Summary
Physical activity (PA) has demonstrated a decreased risk in various cancers and other chronic diseases; rural residents are less likely to attain recommended levels of PA compared to urban and suburban counterparts. The goal of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of a multilevel intervention to increase PA rates among rural residents. PA rates are disproportionately lower in rural areas, with rural residents least likely to meet PA recommendations compared to urban and suburban residents [8]. Decreased PA rates among rural residents elicits a higher risk for cancer and other chronic diseases, as compared to urban/suburban residents [10, 11]. Rural residents make up 15% of the US population [12]; it is imperative to determine effective interventions for increasing PA in order to decrease risk of chronic diseases
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
