Physical activity promotion intervention improved physical activity knowledge, confidence and behaviour among diverse...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Promotion
• Immigrant Health

Background:

• Physical activity (PA) is crucial for reducing cancer risk, yet research on promoting PA among immigrant women is limited.
• Community-based programs are vital for addressing health disparities in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot test the feasibility of an education session designed to promote physical activity (PA) among immigrant women.
• To assess participation, satisfaction, and the potential impact of the education session on PA knowledge, confidence, and behavior.
• To gather data for refining the education session before a larger future trial.

Main Methods:

• A pre-post multiple-methods comparative cohort design was employed.
• Immigrant women were recruited from Canadian immigrant settlement agencies into intervention and control groups.
• The intervention involved an education session, with follow-ups at 1 and 6 months to assess PA knowledge, confidence, and behavior.

Main Results:

• Intervention participants showed significant increases in PA knowledge and confidence at 1 and 6 months post-session.
• Significant improvements in PA behavior, including moderate and mild intensity activities, were observed in the intervention group.
• The intervention group demonstrated significantly greater PA confidence, behavior (vigorous and moderate intensity), and total PA metabolic equivalent units (METs) compared to the control group.

Conclusions:

• The pilot education session proved feasible and effective in enhancing PA knowledge, confidence, and behavior among immigrant women.
• Community settlement agencies are well-positioned to play a significant role in health promotion initiatives for immigrant populations.
• Findings support the potential for policy-makers, healthcare leaders, and health promotion specialists to leverage community agencies for public health interventions.