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Effects of a community-based intervention on physical activity: the Pawtucket Heart Health Program
C B Eaton1, K L Lapane, C E Garber
1Department of Family Medicine, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Pawtucket 02860, USA. charles_eaton@mhri.org
American Journal of Public Health
|November 30, 1999
Summary
A community physical activity program in Pawtucket, RI, did not significantly change residents' knowledge or behavior regarding exercise compared to a control community. The intervention showed no impact on physical activity levels.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Community Interventions
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Community-based physical activity programs aim to improve population health.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of such interventions is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a community-based physical activity program in Pawtucket, RI.
- To compare the program's effects against a control community over seven years.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional surveys were conducted.
- 7529 residents in Pawtucket and 7732 in a comparison community participated.
- Data were collected at 2-year intervals over a 7-year intervention period.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in self-reported knowledge of physical activity benefits.
- Attempts to increase exercise levels did not differ between the intervention and comparison communities.
- The prevalence of physical inactivity remained unchanged in both communities.
Conclusions:
- The community-based physical activity program did not yield measurable improvements in knowledge or behavior.
- Future interventions should consider broader participant engagement strategies.
- Wider involvement may be necessary for effective community-level behavior change.
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