Abstract B58: Promoting healthy lifestyle and cancer awareness through a Pacific Islander fitness day

Abstract

Abstract Chronic disease is the leading cause of death for Pacific Islanders in the U.S., who number over 1.1 million and suffer from enormous health disparities. Obesity prevention and reduction are primary concerns among Pacific Islanders, yet there is little information on the physical activity and nutrition knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors in the population. For instance, one of five Pacific Islander youth in the U.S. is obese. Western culture and dietary habits have influenced PI lifestyles. Among Samoans, obesity prevalence ranged from 33–75% in males and 46–80% in females in four different islands. The majority of Pacific Islanders in California live in Southern California, and in May 2011 a unique effort was initiated promoting physical activity and healthy eating tailored after Michelle Obama's “Let's Move” campaign. Pacific Islander Fitness Day was an outreach event in collaboration with numerous entities (including the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific) to increase awareness for health checkups, cancer screening, physical activity, and nutrition among those ages 5 to 73. This event comprised: speakers from community leaders, physical activity stations lead by NHPI athletes, a Health Village with resources promoting health screenings and a Diet and Healthy Food Village with information on healthy food choices and preparing cultural food with health in mind. A total of 221 participants completed a brief needs assessment survey. Factors influencing their physical activity and eating behaviors included cost of food (p=0.024), health of food (p=0.036), and exercising more than three times per week (p=0.000). These results will better inform those serving Pacific Islanders by addressing cancer health disparities through physical activity and the prevention of cancer and comorbid diseases. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):B58.