Recommendations for a Culturally Salient Web-Based Physical Activity Program for African Americans

Abstract

ABSTRACT Barriers to physical activity (PA) among African Americans (AA) have been extensively studied, yet there is limited research on innovative PA interventions designed to address them. In recent years, many studies have used the Internet to promote PA, but very few have included AA. In this study, we sought the input of AA focus groups to inform the development of a web-based Physical Activity for the Heart program for inactive AA. A qualitative design involving four focus groups stratified by sex and age was used to explore the needs and preferences for resources of AA to be included in the Physical Activity for the Heart program. We used an inductive approach to content analysis to analyze data using ATLAS.ti 7.5. Sixteen women and 10 men (age 30–65 yr) participated in the focus groups. Participants were obese (mean body mass index, 32.2 ± 5.4 kg·m−2) with below average confidence rating (mean 46.4% ± 19.1%) on the Barriers Self-Efficacy Scale. Three main themes emerged from the data: 1) need to see similar others engaging in PA (workout videos featuring models with relatable body size, age, and ethnicity), 2) flexible PA regimen (doable at any time/setting), and 3) age and sex differences in preferences for PA resources (religion, music, and intensity). These data suggest that specific intervention components, i.e., PA models who match participants’ profiles, flexibility, and tailoring to age/gender groups, could improve uptake of web-based PA programs designed for inactive AA. Therefore, a precision health approach needs to be used when designing interventions to promote PA among inactive AA.