title: Physical activity participation in African American churches.
abstract: The potential benefit of physical activity (PA) programs delivered through churches is largely unexamined. This study examined availability of PA programs, interpersonal support for PA, and PA participation in African-American churches. Individuals from a random sample of 20 churches in South Carolina participated in a telephone survey (N = 571). Forty two percent of respondents reported PA programs at their churches. Walking programs (20%), aerobics (22%) or a combination of both (20%) were most common. Respondents who reported having these programs were more likely to meet PA recommendations than those who did not (p = 0.05). Larger churches were more likely to offer PA programs (p = 0.02) than small or medium sized churches. Only 24% of respondents had spoken with the health director at their church about participating in a PA program, and only 25% and 33% had ever spoken with another church member about a PA program or were encouraged to join a PA program, respectively. Individuals with more interpersonal support from other church members for PA were significantly more likely to meet PA recommendations (p = 0.01). This study indicates that program and interpersonal supports within African American churches may offer a venue for increasing PA among members.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, Community Health Institute at Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506, USA. mbopp@ksu.edu
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bopp
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wilcox
authors.forename: Marilyn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Laken
authors.forename: Lottie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McClorin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D000368:Aged; D002835:Christianity; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D013022:South Carolina