Virtual Lifestyle Physical Activity Program Development for South Asian Indian Immigrant Women

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cardiovascular Health
• Immigrant Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a primary cause of mortality among South Asian Indian immigrant women in the U.S.
• Culturally tailored physical activity interventions are crucial for mitigating CVD risk in this demographic.
• Addressing the unique needs of South Asian Indian immigrant women is essential for effective public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a 12-week virtual physical activity program specifically designed for first-generation South Asian Indian immigrant women.
• The program development incorporated community stakeholder input to ensure cultural relevance and effectiveness.
• The study aimed to create a feasible and engaging intervention to promote physical activity.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing focus groups with community stakeholders, including expert panels on dance and spousal/partner dynamics.
• Discussions from focus groups were digitally recorded, transcribed, and de-identified for thematic analysis.
• Identified themes were synthesized to inform the design of the culturally relevant virtual program.

Main Results:

• A two-part, 12-week virtual program was successfully developed.
• Part one features weekly 60-minute Bollywood-style South Asian Indian group dance sessions.
• Part two includes bi-weekly 60-minute Hindi-language group meetings for spousal/partner support to enhance physical activity adherence.

Conclusions:

• A culturally tailored intervention, co-developed with community stakeholders, is vital for nurses to promote physical activity among at-risk South Asian Indian immigrant women.
• This virtual program offers a scalable and accessible approach to address CVD prevention in this population.
• Community-engaged design is key to developing interventions that resonate with and are adopted by specific cultural groups.