Using the health belief model to develop culturally appropriate weight-management materials for African-American women.
African-American women have the highest prevalence of adult obesity in the United States. They are less likely to participate in weight-loss programs and tend to have a low success rate when they do so. The goal of this project was to explore the use of the Health Belief Model in developing culturally appropriate weight-management programs for African-American women. Seven focus groups were conducted with 50 African-American women. The Health Belief Model was used as the study's theoretical framework. Participants made a clear delineation between the terms healthy weight, overweight, and obese. Sexy, flirtatious words, such as thick, stacked, and curvy were often used to describe their extra weight. Participants accurately described the health risks of obesity. Most believed that culture and genetics made them more susceptible to obesity. The perceived benefits of losing weight included reduced risk for health problems, improved physical appearance, and living life to the fullest. Perceived barriers included a lack of motivation, reliable dieting information, and social support. Motivators to lose weight included being diagnosed with a health problem, physical appearance, and saving money on clothes. Self-efficacy was primarily affected by a frustrated history of dieting. The data themes suggest areas that should be addressed when developing culturally appropriate weight-loss messages, programs, and materials for African-American women.
Department of Health Science Education, Florida Gym,University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-2034, USA. djames@hhp.ufl.edu
Delores C S
DC
James
Joseph W
JW
Pobee
D'lauren
D
Oxidine
Latonya
L
Brown
Gungeet
G
Joshi
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D054521:Cultural Competency; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009765:Obesity / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D050177:Overweight / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013664:Teaching Materials; D055815:Young Adult