Implementation Evaluation of a Parks- and Faith-Based Multilevel Intervention to Promote Physical Activity Among...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Equity
• Community Interventions

Background:

• Latinos in the U.S. face significant barriers to physical activity (PA).
• A faith-based, multilevel intervention was developed to promote PA in parks for Latino adults.
• The intervention was partially adapted to a virtual format during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a faith-based multilevel intervention promoting PA in parks for Latino adults.
• To assess the intervention's adaptability and effectiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic using the RE-AIM framework.
• To identify facilitators and barriers to participation and sustainability for future implementation.

Main Methods:

• A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted from 2019-2022 in East Los Angeles, CA.
• Semistructured interviews were conducted with 24 intervention participants (75% women, 83% Spanish speakers).
• The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework guided the evaluation of in-person and virtual components.

Main Results:

• High participation rates were observed for both park-based (80%) and virtual (67%) classes (Reach).
• Participants reported positive impacts on health and well-being (Effectiveness).
• Facilitators included personal, social, and program factors, with few barriers identified (Implementation); plans for sustained PA were noted (Maintenance).

Conclusions:

• The RE-AIM framework effectively captured the broad impacts of the faith-based PA intervention.
• The intervention demonstrated adaptability and robustness during a public health crisis.
• Findings can inform the translation of this intervention to other communities to advance health equity.