Intervention Effects on Latinas' Physical Activity and Other Health Indicators

Introduction U.S. Latinas do not engage in sufficient leisure-time physical activity. This study examined whether adding promotor-facilitated healthy lifestyle classes to an exercise intervention would promote exercise session attendance and improve health indicators. Methods The Familias Sanas y Activas II (Healthy and Active Families II) study used a within-subjects, longitudinal design, with measures at baseline and at 6 and 12 months post-baseline. The intervention was developed by the San Diego Prevention Research Center and implemented between May 2011 and June 2014 in South San Diego County. Three organizations each hired a part-time coordinator and trained volunteer promotores (six to ten per organization) to deliver the intervention in various community locations. A convenience sample of 442 Latinas were in the evaluation cohort. Measured variables included a step test, blood pressure, waist circumference, height, and weight; physical activity was self-reported. Results Attendance at healthy lifestyle classes was positively associated with exercise session attendance ( p ≤0.001). Mixed effects models showed improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressure ( p ≤0.001); waist circumference ( p ≤0.001); weight ( p ≤0.05); and BMI ( p ≤0.05) between baseline and 12 months. At 12 months, fewer participants met clinical guidelines for being hypertensive and having an at-risk waist circumference. Exercise session attendance was associated with improved fitness ( p ≤0.05) and increased self-reported MET minutes of leisure-time physical activity ( p ≤0.01). Conclusions The intervention represents an effective strategy for improving the health status of Latinas, a population with significant health disparities, including high obesity rates. Research efforts are needed to assess methods for scaling up such interventions.