Abstract C037: Development of a physical activity intervention using the socioecological model framework: Formative evaluation among rural African American women

Abstract

Abstract Due to physical activity (PA) engagement disparities among African Americans (AA), individuals of this population are at increased prevalence for various chronic diseases. Moreover, research suggests that higher levels of PA are linked to lower risk of several cancers. However, within rural areas, locality challenges related to the built environment have been noted as a deterrent for engagement. The purpose of the study was to gather recommendations, using formative evaluation, to develop a physical activity (PA) program for older African American (AA) women (≥ 50 years of age) residing in eastern North Carolina. Focus group (FG) participants were recruited in partnership with local lay health advisors and other trusted community members. Utilizing the socioecological model as a framework, qualitative data were stratified and analyzed using SPSS and NVivo. Participants included a total of 46 women from a convenience sample which consisted of three FGs. At the intrapersonal level, respondents expressed interest in increasing their PA engagement through methods such as walking and/or dancing, and the incorporation of self-monitoring tools to track progress. Regarding interpersonal level suggestions, participants noted the inclusion of group-based approaches. In addition, community level guidance highlighted the scarcity of PA facilities for those residing outside of the county seat, and the necessity of partnering with pre-existing buildings. Lastly, policy level direction was related to environmental infrastructure (i.e., lack of street lights and sidewalks) and personal safety as attributes for inactivity. To circumvent this issue, respondents suggested that outdoor PA sources have consistent law enforcement presence. Data obtained will be used to guide the development of a culturally-tailored and community-advised multilevel PA intervention for older AA women of rural residence. Citation Format: Marla B. Hall, Ari K. Mwachofi, Caroline B. Collier, Kiana L. Kerwin. Development of a physical activity intervention using the socioecological model framework: Formative evaluation among rural African American women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr C037.