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Increasing physical activity with African-American women using Facebook™ and Pedometers
Donna J Biederman1, Valerie K Sabol1, Julie Thompson1
1Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA.
Public Health Nursing (Boston, Mass.)
|March 8, 2021
Summary
A 5-week physical activity intervention using social media and pedometers significantly increased steps and activity days for African American women, addressing high rates of overweight and obesity.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Promotion
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Over 80% of African American women experience overweight and obesity.
- There is a need for effective, accessible interventions to promote physical activity in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a 5-week physical activity intervention using Facebook and pedometers.
- To assess the impact of the intervention on physical activity levels among African American women.
Main Methods:
- A single-group pre/post design intervention was conducted with 27 African American women.
- Participants used a private Facebook group and Omron Alvita pedometers.
- The intervention encouraged increased daily steps and days of physical activity per week.
Main Results:
- Weekly steps increased by 190% compared to baseline (p = .005).
- The percentage of participants active two or more days per week rose from 35.7% to nearly 80%.
Conclusions:
- Social media and pedometers can effectively promote physical activity in African American women.
- This intervention model is relevant for public health nurses aiming to increase physical activity in this population.
