The health-e-AME faith-based physical activity initiative: Description and baseline findings.
This article provides an overview of the development, implementation, and baseline findings from a statewide faith-based physical activity (PA) initiative. The 3-year program is training African Methodist Episcopal volunteers across South Carolina to implement programs to increase PA in their congregations. 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. The baseline telephone survey (N = 571) estimates that 27.8% of the population is regularly active, 54.9% underactive, and 17.3% sedentary. Baseline rates of regular PA were higher in those who were younger, healthier, and nonsmokers. Challenges to date have included obtaining rosters and implementing a large-scale program with limited resources. Interest in the program has been strong and supported by church leaders. Current efforts are on training additional churches and working with those already trained to support sustainability.
Wilcox
Sara
S
Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, USA. swilcox@sc.edu
Laken
Marilyn
M
Anderson
Thaje
T
Bopp
Melissa
M
Bryant
Deborah
D
Carter
Rickey
R
Gethers
Octavia
O
Jordan
Jeannette
J
McClorin
Lottie
L
O'Rourke
Kathleen
K
Parrott
Allen W
AW
Swinton
Rosetta
R
Yancey
Antronette
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D033303:Protestantism; D013022:South Carolina; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires