Enhancing community capacity to support physical activity: the development of a community-based indoor-outdoor walking program.
The University at Albany Prevention Research Center, guided by a needs assessment in two underserved communities (one urban, one rural), initiated a pilot project that opened a public school for community walking in a rural setting. This study examined a 9-week program for potential barriers, benefits, influential factors, and the physical activity levels of program participants. Evaluation was based on daily logs, pedometer diaries, participant surveys, and focus groups. Results indicated that rural schools provide a useful resource for residents and increase participants' physical activity levels. A more comprehensive rural community walking program has been implemented as a result of these findings.
Riley-Jacome
Mary
M
Prevention Research Center, University at Albany, School of Public Health, SUNY, One University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144-3456, USA. mrileyjacome@uamail.albany.edu
Gallant
Mary P
MP
Fisher
Brian D
BD
Gotcsik
Frances S
FS
Strogatz
David S
DS
D000328:Adult; D057191:Capacity Building; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D017144:Focus Groups; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009518:New York; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011322:Primary Prevention; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012423:Rural Health; D012574:Schools; D012944:Social Support; D014504:Urban Health; D016138:Walking