Review of intervention studies promoting physical activity in Hispanic women

The objectives of this review are to (a) provide a comprehensive review and evaluation of intervention studies designed to promote physical activity among Hispanic women and (b) provide recommendations for future research involving Hispanic women in physical activity intervention research. Computer and manual searches have been conducted of articles in the English-language literature from 1980 to present. Twelve articles are evaluated that emphasize physical activity interventions in Hispanic women. A review of current intervention research provides a starting point for determining salient approaches for intervention and evaluation, issues related to program implementation, and the strengths and limits of existing approaches. During the past 30 years, very few interventions have been conducted that examine physical activity among Hispanic women; those that include Hispanic women across ages support the need for interventions that build on the strengths and address the limitations of this body of research.

The WISEWOMAN Projects: Lessons Learned from Three States

BACKGROUND

The WISEWOMAN program provides chronic disease risk factor screening, lifestyle interventions, and referrals to financially disadvantaged women who participate in the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). Three states (Arizona, Massachusetts, and North Carolina) participated in Phase One (1995-1998).

METHODS

Using a case study approach, we reviewed documents and conducted telephone interviews to compare the three projects' design and execution. The interviews, carried out in mid-2002, involved a convenience sample of project coordinators, project directors, researchers, and one CDC project officer (n = 9).

RESULTS

Many providers were overwhelmed by WISEWOMAN's research component and disliked its lack of flexibility. Researchers emphasized that high-quality evaluation requires resources and attention. Informants described the challenges of integrating WISEWOMAN with state BCCEDP programs that are in varying development stages and recommended changes in organizational culture and provider practices. Regarding implementation, informants emphasized the need for adequate and appropriate planning, buy-in, training, professional support, and outreach. Our sample also noted that WISEWOMAN projects tend to be labor intensive.

CONCLUSIONS

WISEWOMAN projects face challenges of integrating clinical and lifestyle interventions, reaching beyond a focus on individuals, marshaling substantial resources, and introducing complex interventions into stretched healthcare environments. The three Phase One projects were deemed successful in reaching underserved women, developing a more comprehensive women's health model, strengthening linkages to primary healthcare, experimenting with innovative behavioral interventions, and tapping into women's roles as social support providers and family/community gatekeepers.

Perspectives of pregnant and postpartum latino women on diabetes, physical activity, and health

Impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes are prevalent among Latino women of childbearing age. Physical activity during and after pregnancy may contribute to weight control and improved metabolic status, but recommended activities may not be perceived as appropriate or feasible. To plan realistic and acceptable interventions, pregnant and postpartum Latino women in Detroit met in a focus group series to discuss their beliefs about diabetes and factors influencing their participation in regular physical activity during pregnancy and postpartum. Women believed that diabetes was primarily related to heredity and diet but not to physical activity. Exercise was believed to reduce stress and improve general health. Women suggested an organized group intervention, in a respected location, that offered safe physical activities within the context of a variety of activities for women and children. This strategy reduced concerns about safety and social acceptability while addressing their primary interest in social support.