Let's Move for Pacific Islander Communities: an Evidence-Based Intervention to Increase Physical Activity

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community Health Interventions
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Pacific Islander (PI) populations in Southern California face significant obesity and low physical activity rates.
• Culturally sensitive approaches are crucial for sustainable health behavior change in PI communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the adaptation methodology for the PI Let's Move Program, a culturally tailored physical activity intervention.
• To evaluate the pilot program's impact on individual and organizational changes within PI communities.

Main Methods:

• The Weaving an Islander Network for Cancer Awareness, Research and Training (WINCART) Center adapted the evidence-based Instant Recess program using National Cancer Institute guidelines.
• The PI Let's Move Program was piloted with eight PI organizations, involving 106 adult participants over two months.

Main Results:

• Physical activity increased from 2.09 to 2.90 days/week among participants.
• 82% of participants intended to continue physical activity for at least six months.
• All eight participating organizations successfully implemented the program, a significant increase from baseline.

Conclusions:

• Culturally tailored programs are effective in reaching disparity populations like PIs.
• Community-based, culturally adapted interventions can promote sustainable physical activity and organizational capacity.