International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (Jul 2022)

Two-year outcomes of Faith in Action/Fe en Acción: a randomized controlled trial of physical activity promotion in Latinas

  • Elva M. Arredondo,
  • Jessica Haughton,
  • Guadalupe X. Ayala,
  • Donald Slymen,
  • James F. Sallis,
  • Lilian G. Perez,
  • Natalicio Serrano,
  • Sherry Ryan,
  • Rodrigo Valdivia,
  • Nanette V. Lopez,
  • John P. Elder

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-022-01329-6
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 19, no. 1
pp. 1 – 10

Abstract

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Abstract Background Latina women are less likely to report engaging in leisure-time physical activity (PA) than non-Latina white women. This study evaluated the 24-month impact of a faith-based PA intervention targeting Latinas. Methods The study is a cluster randomized controlled trial of a PA intervention or cancer screening comparison condition, with churches as the randomization unit. A total of 436 Latinas (aged 18-65 years) from 16 churches who engaged in low levels of self-report and accelerometer-based PA were enrolled. The experimental condition was a 24-month PA intervention, with in-person classes, social support, and environmental changes, led by community health workers (i.e., promotoras). At baseline, 12-, and 24 months, we assessed changes in accelerometer-based and self-reported moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA; primary outcomes). Secondary outcomes were light intensity activity, sedentary time, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Results After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, a mixed effects analysis found significant increases in self-reported leisure time MVPA (p < 0.005) and marginal increases in accelerometer-assessed MVPA (p < 0.08) 24 months post-baseline in the intervention compared to the attention-control condition. Data showed significant associations between PA class attendance and engaging in MVPA as assessed by self-report and accelerometry. No significant changes were found for light activity, sedentary time, BMI, or waist circumference. Conclusions Participants who attended the PA classes at least once a month engaged in significantly higher MVPA compared to those who did not. Maximizing engagement and maintenance strategies to enhance PA maintenance could contribute to important long-term health benefits. Trial registration NCT01776632 , Registered March 18, 2011.

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