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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
3252.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - Board 2

Abstract #104333

African American women's perceptions of nutrition, physical activity, and disease development

Uchenna Agbim, BA1, Cayla R. Teal, PhD2, Deanna M. Hoelscher, PhD, RD, LD, CNS3, Lu Ann Aday, PhD4, Danielle Baham, MS, RD, LD1, and Lovell A. Jones, PhD1. (1) Center for Research on Minority Health, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd- Box 639, Houston, TX 77030, 713-256-9199, uchenna@alumni.rice.edu, (2) Houston Center for Quality of Care and Utilization Studies, VA Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, 2002 Holcombe Blvd. (152), Houston, TX 77030, (3) Human Nutrition Center, Univ. of Texas-Houston School of Public Health, 1200 Herman Pressler, RAS W920, Houston, TX 77030, (4) Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, P.O. Box 20186, Houston, TX 77225

African American women disproportionately suffer from cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and obesity, which can be prevented by behavior modification, particularly engaging in physical activity and practicing healthy eating habits. Thus, energy balance is an important component for prevention of these chronic diseases. However, the current literature reveals that African American women's physical activity and dietary habits do not meet the recommended levels. Although the literature emphasizing both physical activity and proper nutrition is growing, little is known about individual's perceptions of the relationship between physical activity and good nutrition. As part of a larger study, focus groups were conducted with thirty-nine urban pre-menopausal African American women and explored their perceptions regarding “being healthy,” specifically the interplay of physical activity and nutrition as they pertain to the development of illness. Using the iterative review process of the constant comparative method, trained independent reviewers analyzed focus group transcripts for emerging themes. The focus group transcripts were also analyzed using QSR N6. Participants cited conflicting roles of theoretical factors. Some factors seemed to facilitate physical activity, while the same factors served as barriers to healthy eating. These results have important implications and will help guide the development of preventive interventions targeted specifically to African American women.

Learning Objectives:

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Innovations and Interventions in Health Education

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA