Recorded presentation

Sara Wilcox, PhD¹, Marilyn Laken, PhD, RN², Lottie McClorin, MS¹, Melissa Bopp, MS¹, Octavia Gethers, MHSA³, and Rosetta Swinton, BSN, RN³. (1) Arnold School of Public Health, Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, 1300 Wheat Street, Columbia, SC 29208, 803-777-8141, swilcox@sc.edu, (2) College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Avenue Suite 408, PO Box 250403, Charleston, SC 29425-2401, (3) Office of Special Initiatives, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Ave, Suite 408, PO Box 250403, Charleston, SC 29425

This presentation provides an overview of the development, implementation, and baseline findings from a faith-based PA initiative. It is a partnership between two academic institutions and the 7th Episcopal District of the AME church. The 3-year program, funded by CDC, is training AME volunteers across SC to implement action-oriented (praise and chair aerobics, walking clubs) and educational (e.g., 8 week behavioral class, bulletin inserts, pulpit messages, meeting exercise breaks) programs to increase PA in their congregations. The evaluation uses a randomized design with a delayed intervention comparison group. Annual telephone surveys are conducted with a randomly selected cohort of AME members.

To date, 98 churches have been trained. Interviews done with a random sample (n=39) indicated that 54% are implementing at least one PA program, and 72% of those who are not have specific plans to start. The baseline telephone survey (N=571; RR=57%) found that 28.8% were regularly active, 53.6% underactive, and 17.7% sedentary. Baseline rates of regular PA were higher (and sedentary behavior lower) in those who were younger, nonsmokers, and more educated, and in those with higher incomes and better self-rated health. There were no baseline differences in PA by randomization group, gender, marital status, overweight, or chronic disease. Challenges to date have included obtaining rosters and implementing a large-scale program with limited resources. AME member’s interest in the program has been strong and it has been supported by church leaders. Current efforts are on training additional churches and working with those already trained to support sustainability.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) will be able to

• Describe a community-based participatory approach to working with faith-based organizations to increase physical activity,
• List potential challenges and opportunities involved in academic-faith partnerships,
• Define the major goals and objectives of the Health-e-AME Faith-Based Physical Activity Initiative

Keywords: Faith Community, Physical Activity

Related Web page: www.health-e-ame.com

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation