title: A church-based intervention to change attitudes about physical activity among Black adolescent girls: a feasibility study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To feasibility test a 12-week church-based physical activity intervention that was culturally sensitive, age- and gender specific directed at changing attitudes of Black adolescent girls' to be more physically active.
  
  
  METHODS
  A one-group pre- and posttest design was used. A convenience sample of Black adolescent girls between the age of 12-18 (n = 41).
  
  
  METHODS
  A 60-min 12-week church-based program that included interactive educational sessions followed by a high energy dance aerobics class was used.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected on biophysical measures. Surveys were used to assess the following variables: attitudes, enjoyment, self-efficacy, intention, social and family support, and PA levels.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Paired t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA revealed no significant changes in key variables. Positive changes were noted in the odds ratios for attitudes, self-efficacy, and intention. Body mass index, metabolic equivalent tasks, and fitness showed positive trends from pre to post intervention. Family support was significantly correlated with physical activity level (p < .01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study showed that physical activity programs in Black churches aimed at Black adolescent girls are feasible. Participants evaluated the intervention very favorably. Family support may be a key factor in increasing physical activity levels in Black adolescent girls.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing Carrington Hall, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7460, USA. wmthomps@email.unc.edu
authors.forename: Wanda M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Berry
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D003615:Dancing; D015444:Exercise; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006240:Happiness; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D057181:Pleasure; D012067:Religion; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support