title: Creating community, assessing need: preparing for a community physical activity intervention.
abstract: This paper describes the preliminary steps needed to begin a community physical activity intervention in a rural context, including forming a community coalition and assessing values, beliefs, and knowledge about physical activity. A random mail survey (N = 171) indicated relatively high activity rates, and perceived barriers consistent with the literature (time, program convenience, safety issues). Perceived benefits included improving/sustaining health and looking better/improving appearance. Five focus groups added additional barriers (e.g., physical isolation, lack of transportation). Residents were unaware of many existing services and indicated a desire for more walking trails, health-related activities, and low-cost exercise facilities. The discussion focuses on the importance of establishing a community coalition and implications for future program development and research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Educational Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA. dew6d@virginia.edu
authors.forename: Diane E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Whaley
authors.forename: Philip P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Haley
mesh_terms: D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000523:psychology*; D016730:Program Development; D012423:Rural Health; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires