title: Be active together: supporting physical activity in public housing communities through women-only programs.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Low-income and minority groups in the United States have low levels of physical activity that contribute to health inequities. In public housing communities, both built and social environments are key factors that impact residents' physical activity levels.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To develop and evaluate women-only physical activity programs that provide women from cultures in which physical activity in mixed-gender settings is not acceptable (e.g., Muslim women) with physical activity opportunities.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe the use of community-based participatory research (CBPR) process and evaluation feedback from our initial research and evaluation phases, including focus groups, to shape interventions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Active community engagement in all phases of research, including cultural tailoring of interventions, and decisions about location and affordability, was critical. Implementing interventions in public housing is feasible, but requires frequent feedback from residents and correction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of CBPR resulted in the implementation of a successful, culturally appropriate set of physical activity interventions, specifically for Muslim Somali women. Housing authorities should consider incorporating recreational facilities on site and women-only opportunities to provide venues for physical activity.
authors.affiliation: Public Health - Seattle & King County, USA.
authors.forename: Luiza G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Marinescu
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sharify
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Krieger
authors.forename: Brian E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Saelens
authors.forename: Jeniffer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Calleja
authors.forename: Ayaan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aden
mesh_terms: D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D054521:Cultural Competency; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D007514:Islam; D054525:Minority Health / Q000191:economics / Q000208:ethnology*; D009043:Motor Activity; D011203:Poverty; D011638:Public Housing; D012944:Social Support; D012998:Somalia / Q000208:ethnology; D014861:Washington; D016387:Women's Health / Q000191:economics / Q000208:ethnology*