Skip to main content

Designing Culturally Relevant Physical Activity Programs for African-American Women: A Framework for Intervention Development

Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities volume 4, pages 397–409 (2017)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

African-American women perform low levels of physical activity and are disproportionally burdened by associated cardiometabolic disease conditions (i.e., 57 % are obese, 49 % have cardiovascular disease). The marked health disparities among African-American women indicate the need for innovative strategies to promote physical activity to help attenuate the chronic disease health disparities in this high-risk population. Culturally tailoring physical activity programs to address the sociocultural norms, values, beliefs, and behaviors of African-American women is an advantageous strategy to enhance physical activity promotion efforts. The purpose of this article is to discuss critical aspects for researchers to consider when designing physical activity programs for African-American women and to present a conceptual framework to guide intervention development.

Methods

Development of the framework was based on our previous physical activity research with African-American women, seminal literature on the topics of cultural adaptation and health promotion, sociological and theoretical perspectives on the role of women in African-American culture, and key determinants of physical activity engagement among African-American women.

Results

Three key concepts are discussed in the conceptual framework: (1) Developmental milestones and life stage transitions of African-American women; (2) Historical, social, and cultural influences associated with physical activity engagement; and (3) Intervention delivery strategies.

Discussion

Using the framework to guide intervention development has the potential to enhance the physical activity and health outcomes of a physical activity program for African-American women.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

USD 39.95

Price includes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Fig. 1

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Health Statistics, Health Data Interactive., www.cdc.gov/nchs/hdi.htm. (2015). Accessed August 1 2015.

  2. Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Flegal KM. Prevalence of obesity in the United States. J Am Med Assoc. 2014;2:189–90.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Go AS, Mozaffarian D, Roger VL, Benjamin EJ, Berry JD, Borden WB, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2013 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2013;127:e6–e245.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Age-adjusted rates of diagnosed diabetes per 100 civilian, non-institutionalized population, by race and sex, United States, 1980–2014. http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/statistics/prev/national/figraceethsex.htm. Accessed 10 Dec 2015.

  5. Knowler WC, Fowler SE, Hamman RF, Christophi CA, Hoffman HJ, Brenneman AT, et al. 10-year follow-up of diabetes incidence and weight loss in the diabetes prevention program outcomes study. Lancet. 2009;374(9702):1677–86. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(09)61457-4.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Lee IM, Shiroma EJ, Lobelo F, Puska P, Blair SN, Katzmarzyk PT. Effect of physical inactivity on major non-communicable diseases worldwide: an analysis of burden of disease and life expectancy. Lancet. 2012;380(9838):219–29. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(12)61031-9.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Kumanyika SK, Whitt-Glover MC, Gary TL, Prewitt TE, Odoms-Young AM, Banks-Wallace J, et al. Expanding the obesity research paradigm to reach African American communities. Prev Chronic Dis. 2007;4 :A112.United States

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  8. Whitt-Glover MC, Keith NR, Ceaser TG, Virgil K, Ledford L, Hasson RE. A systematic review of physical activity interventions among African American adults: evidence from 2009 to 2013. Obes Rev. 2014;15(Suppl 4):125–45. doi:10.1111/obr.12205.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Pekmezi D, Jennings E. Interventions to promote physical activity among African Americans. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2009;3:173–84.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Banks-Wallace J, Conn V. Interventions to promote physical activity among African American women. Public Health Nurs. 2002;19(5):321–35.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Whitt-Glover MC, Kumanyika SK. Systematic review of interventions to increase physical activity and physical fitness in African-Americans. Am J Health Promot. 2009;23(6):S33–56. doi:10.4278/ajhp.070924101.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Resnicow K, Baranowski T, Ahluwalia JS, Braithwaite RL. Cultural sensitivity in public health: defined and demystified. Ethn Dis. 1999;9(1):10–21.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Durant N, Joseph R, Cherrington A, Cuffee Y, Knight B, Lewis D, et al. Recommendations for a culturally relevant Internet-based tool to promote physical activity among overweight young African American women, Alabama, 2010–2011. Prev Chron Dis. 2014;11:130169.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Joseph RP, Pekmezi DW, Lewis T, Dutton G, Turner LW, Durant NH. Physical activity and social cognitive theory outcomes of an Internet-enhanced physical activity intervention for African American female college students. J Health Disparities Res Pract. 2013;6(2):18.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Joseph RP, Pekmezi D, Dutton GR, Cherrington AL, Kim YI, Allison JJ, et al. Results of a culturally adapted internet-enhanced physical activity pilot intervention for overweight and obese young adult African American women. J Transcult Nurs. 2016;27(2):136–46. doi:10.1177/1043659614539176.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Joseph RP, Keller C, Adams MA, Ainsworth BE. Print versus a culturally-relevant Facebook and text message delivered intervention to promote physical activity in African American women: a randomized pilot trial. BMC Women’s Health. 2015;15:30.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Coe K, Keller C, Walker JR. Religion, kinship and health behaviors of African American women. J Relig Health. 2015;54(1):46–60. doi:10.1007/s10943-013-9784-0.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Keller CS, Robinson B, Pickens L. Comparison of two walking frequencies in African American postmenopausal women. ABNF J. 2004;15(1):3–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Walker J, Ainsworth B, Hooker S, Keller C, Fleury J, Chisum J, et al. Optimal health (spirit, mind, and body): a feasibility study promoting well-being for health behavior change. J Relig Health. 2014. doi:10.1007/s10943-014-9890-7.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Affuso O, Cox TL, Durant NH, Allison DB. Attitudes and beliefs associated with leisure-time physical activity among African American adults. Ethn Dis. 2011;21(1):63–7.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  21. Hawkins RP, Kreuter M, Resnicow K, Fishbein M, Dijkstra A. Understanding tailoring in communicating about health. Health Educ Res. 2008;23(3):454–66.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Castro FG, Barrera Jr M, Martinez Jr CR. The cultural adaptation of prevention interventions: resolving tensions between fidelity and fit. Prev Sci: Off J Soc Prev Res. 2004;5(1):41–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Taylor JY. Womanism: a methodologic framework for African American women. ANS Adv Nurs Sci. 1998;21(1):53–64.

    CAS  PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Banks-Wallace J. Womanist ways of knowing: theoretical considerations for research with African American women. Adv Nurs Sci. 2000;22(3):33–45.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Jones LV, Hopson LM, Gomes A-M. Intervening with African-Americans: culturally specific practice considerations. J Ethnic Cult Divers Soc Work. 2012;21(1):37–54. doi:10.1080/15313204.2012.647389.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Joseph RP, Ainsworth BE, Keller C, Dodgson JE. Barriers to physical activity among African American women: an integrative review of the literature. Women Health. 2015; Online First. doi:10.1080/03630242.2015.1039184.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  27. Fleury J, Lee SM. The social ecological model and physical activity in African American women. Am J Community Psychol. 2006;37(1–2):129–40. doi:10.1007/s10464-005-9002-7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Elder Jr GH. Time, human agency, and social change: perspectives on the life course. Soc Psychol Q. 1994;57(1):4–15. doi:10.2307/2786971.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Giele JZ, Edler GH. Methods of life course research. In: Giele JZ, Edler GH, editors. Life course research: development of a field. Sage Publications: Thousand Oaks, California; 1998. p. 22.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Giele JZ, Edler GH. Methods of life course research. In: Giele JZ, Edler GH, editors. Life course research: development of a field. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications; 1998. p. iv.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Flinn MV. Culture and the evolution of social learning. Evol Hum Behav. 1997;18(1):23–67. doi:10.1016/S1090-5138(96)00046-3.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. United States Department of Labor. Household data: annual averages: employment status of the civilian noninstitutional population by age, sex, and race. http://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat03.pdf. Accessed 2 Feb 2016.

  33. United States Census Bureau. Families and living arrangements: 2014: family households (F table series). In: Table F1. Family households BT, age of own children, age of family members, and age, race And Hispanic origin of householder: 2014, ed. Available at http://www.census.gov/hhes/families/data/cps2014F.html. Accessed 22 Jan 2016.

  34. Fan JX, Kowaleski-Jones L, Wen M. Walking or dancing: patterns of physical activity by cross-sectional age among U.S. women. J Aging Health. 2013;17:1182–203.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Versey HS. Centering perspectives on black women, hair politics, and physical activity. Am J Public Health. 2014;104(5):810–5. doi:10.2105/ajph.2013.301675.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Im EO, Ko Y, Hwang H, et al. “Physical activity as a luxury”: African American women’s attitudes toward physical activity. West J Nurs Res. 2012;34(3):317–39.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Lukwago SN. Measurement and health-related correlates of collectivism, spirituality, racial pride and time orientation in urban black women. Ann Arbor: Saint Louis University; 2001.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Harley AE, Rice J, Walker R, Strath SJ, Quintiliani LM, Bennett GG. Physically active, low-income African American women: an exploration of activity maintenance in the context of sociodemographic factors associated with inactivity. Women Health. 2014;54(4):354–72. doi:10.1080/03630242.2014.896440.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Bowen PG, Eaves YD, Vance DE, Moneyham LD. A phenomenological study of obesity and physical activity in southern african american older women. J Aging Phys Act. 2015;2:221–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Wilcox S, Oberrecht L, Bopp M, Kammermann SK, McElmurray CT. A qualitative study of exercise in older African American and white women in rural South Carolina: perceptions, barriers, and motivations. J Women Aging. 2005;17(1–2):37–53. doi:10.1300/J074v17n01_04.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Zunker C, Cox TL, Wingo BC, Knight B, Jefferson WK, Ard JD. Using formative research to develop a worksite health promotion program for African American women. Women Health. 2008;48(2):189–207. doi:10.1080/03630240802313514.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Keller C, Larkey L, Distefano JK, Boehm-Smith E, Records K, Robillard A, et al. Perimenopausal obesity. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2010;19(5):987–96. doi:10.1089/jwh.2009.1547.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Henderson KA, Ainsworth BE. Sociocultural perspectives on physical activity in the lives of older African American and American Indian women: a cross cultural activity participation study. Women Health. 2000;31(1):1–20. doi:10.1300/J013v31n01_01.

    CAS  PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Walcott-McQuigg JA, Prohaska TR. Factors influencing participation of African American elders in exercise behavior. Public Health Nurs. 2001;18(3):194–203.

    CAS  PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Dunn MZ. Psychosocial mediators of a walking intervention among African American women. J Transcult Nurs. 2008;19(1):40–6. doi:10.1177/1043659607309138.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Sanderson B, Littleton M, Pulley L. Environmental, policy, and cultural factors related to physical activity among rural, African American women. Women Health. 2002;36(2):75–90.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Young DR, He X, Harris J, Mabry I. Environmental, policy, and cultural factors related to physical activity in well-educated urban African American women. Women Health. 2002;36(2):29–41. doi:10.1300/J013v36n02_03.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Harley AE, Odoms-Young A, Beard B, Katz ML, Heaney CA. African American social and cultural contexts and physical activity: strategies for navigating challenges to participation. Women Health. 2009;49(1):84–100. doi:10.1080/03630240802690861.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Wilbur J, Chandler P, Dancy B, Choi J, Plonczynski D. Environmental, policy, and cultural factors related to physical activity in urban, African American women. Women Health. 2002;36(2):17–28. doi:10.1300/J013v36n02_02.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Ingram D, Wilbur J, McDevitt J, Buchholz S. Women’s walking program for African American women: expectations and recommendations from participants as experts. Women Health. 2011;51(6):566–82. doi:10.1080/03630242.2011.606357.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Richter DL, Wilcox S, Greaney ML, Henderson KA, Ainsworth BE. Environmental, policy, and cultural factors related to physical activity in African American women. Women Health. 2002;36(2):91–109.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Doldren MA, Webb FJ. Facilitators of and barriers to healthy eating and physical activity for black women: a focus group study in Florida. USA Crit Pub Health. 2013;23(1):32–8. doi:10.1080/09581596.2012.753407.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Paxton RJ, Nayak P, Taylor WC, Chang S, Courneya KS, Schover L, et al. African-American breast cancer survivors’ preferences for various types of physical activity interventions: a sisters network Inc. web-based survey. J Cancer Survivorship: Res Pract. 2014;8(1):31–8. doi:10.1007/s11764-013-0307-5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Wanko NS, Brazier CW, Young-Rogers D, Dunbar VG, Boyd B, George CD, et al. Exercise preferences and barriers in urban African Americans with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Educ. 2004;30(3):502–13.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Nies MA, Troutman-Jordan M, Branche D, Moore-Harrison T, Hohensee C. Physical activity preferences for low-income sedentary urban African American older adults. J Gerontol Nurs. 2013;39(6):20–9 . doi:10.3928/00989134-20130408-01.quiz 30-1

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Daley A, Stokes-Lampard H, Wilson S, Rees M, Roalfe A, Macarthur C. What women want? Exercise preferences of menopausal women. Maturitas. 2011;68(2):174–8. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2010.11.011.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  57. Rossi A, Moadel-Robblee A, Garber CE, Kuo D, Goldberg G, Einstein M, et al. Physical activity for an ethnically diverse sample of endometrial cancer survivors: a needs assessment and pilot intervention. J Gynecol Oncol. 2015;2:141–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Henderson KA, Ainsworth BE. A synthesis of perceptions about physical activity among older African American and American Indian women. Am J Pub Health. 2003;93(2):313–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Eyler AA, Baker E, Cromer L, King AC, Brownson RC, Donatelle RJ. Physical activity and minority women: a qualitative study. Health Educ Behav. 1998;25(5):640–52.

    CAS  PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Eyler AA, Matson-Koffman D, Vest JR, Evenson KR, Sanderson B, Thompson JL, et al. Environmental, policy, and cultural factors related to physical activity in a diverse sample of women: the Women’s cardiovascular health network project—summary and discussion. Women Health. 2002;36(2):123–34.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Kreuter MW, Lukwago SN, Bucholtz RD, Clark EM, Sanders-Thompson V. Achieving cultural appropriateness in health promotion programs: targeted and tailored approaches. Health Educ Behav. 2003;30(2):133–46.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Kreuter MW, McClure SM. The role of culture in health communication. Annu Rev Public Health. 2004;25:439–55. doi:10.1146/annurev.publhealth.25.101802.123000.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  63. Kreuter MW, Haughton LT. Integrating culture into health information for African American women. Am Behav Sci. 2006;49(6):794–811.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  64. Castro FG, Barrera Jr M, Holleran Steiker LK. Issues and challenges in the design of culturally adapted evidence-based interventions. Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2010;6:213–39. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-033109-132032.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  65. Resnicow K, Soler R, Braithwaite RL, Ahluwalia JS, Butler J. Cultural sensitivity in substance use prevention. J Community Psychol. 2000;28(3):271–90.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  66. Yancey AK, Ortega AN, Kumanyika SK. Effective recruitment and retention of minority research participants. Annu Rev Public Health. 2006;27:1–28. doi:10.1146/annurev.publhealth.27.021405.102113.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  67. Joseph RP, Pekmezi D, Allison JJ, Durant NH. Lessons learned from the development and implementation two Internet-enhanced culturally relevant physical activity interventions for young overweight African American women. J Natl Black Nurses Assoc. 2014;25(1):42–7.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  68. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health data interactive. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. 2014. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hdi.htm. Accessed 2 Feb 2016.

  69. Harris KJ, Ahluwalia JS, Catley D, Okuyemi KS, Mayo MS, Resnicow K. Successful recruitment of minorities into clinical trials: the kick it at Swope project. Nicotine Tob Res. 2003;5(4):575–84.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  70. Heller C, Balls-Berry JE, Nery JD, Erwin PJ, Littleton D, Kim M, et al. Strategies addressing barriers to clinical trial enrollment of underrepresented populations: a systematic review. Contemp Clin Trials. 2014;39(2):169–82. doi:10.1016/j.cct.2014.08.004.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  71. Fryer CS, Passmore SR, Maietta RC, Petruzzelli J, Casper E, Brown NA, et al. The symbolic value and limitations of racial concordance in minority research engagement. Qual Health Res. 2015. doi:10.1177/1049732315575708.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  72. Rivers D, August EM, Sehovic I, Lee Green B, Quinn GP. A systematic review of the factors influencing African Americans’ participation in cancer clinical trials. Contemp Clin Trials. 2013;35(2):13–32. doi:10.1016/j.cct.2013.03.007.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  73. Kalichman SC, Coley B. Context framing to enhance HIV-antibody-testing messages targeted to African American women. Health Psychol. 1995;14(3):247–54.

    CAS  PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  74. Lopes C, Sussman S, Galaif E, Crippins D. The impact of a videotape on smoking cessation among African American women. Am J Health Promot. 1995;9:3.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  75. Pekmezi D, Marcus B, Meneses K, Baskin ML, Ard JD, Martin MY, et al. Developing an intervention to address physical activity barriers for African-American women in the deep south (USA). Women’s Health (Lond Engl). 2013;9(3):301–12. doi:10.2217/whe.13.20.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  76. Price AE, Greer B, Tucker A. Older black women’s experiences initiating and maintaining physical activity: implications for theory and practice. J Aging Phys Act. 2013;21(3):348–66.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  77. Hall RR, Francis S, Whitt-Glover M, Loftin-Bell K, Swett K, McMichael AJ. Hair care practices as a barrier to physical activity in African American women. JAMA Dermatol. 2013;149(3):310–4.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  78. Im EO, Ko Y, Hwang H, Chee W, Stuifbergen A, Walker L, et al. Racial/ethnic differences in midlife Women’s attitudes toward physical activity. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2013;58(4):440–50. doi:10.1111/j.1542-2011.2012.00259.x.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  79. Overstreet N, Quinn D, Agocha VB. Beyond thinness: the influence of a curvaceous body ideal on body dissatisfaction in black and white women. Sex Roles. 2010;63(1–2):91–103. doi:10.1007/s11199-010-9792-4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  80. Greenberg DR, LaPorte DJ. Racial differences in body type preferences of men for women. Int J Eating Disord. 1996;19(3):275–8.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  81. Allan JD, Mayo K, Michel Y. Body size values of white and black women. Res Nurs Health. 1993;16(5):323–33.

    CAS  PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  82. Jakicic JM. Physical activity and weight loss. Nestle Nutrition Institute workshop series. 2012;73:21–36. doi:10.1159/000341283.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  83. Jakicic JM, Otto AD. Physical activity considerations for the treatment and prevention of obesity. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005;1 :226S–9S.Suppl United States

    Google Scholar 

  84. Pew Research Center. Religious landscape study: racial and ethnic composition. Washington, DC: Pew Research Center; 2015 .http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/racial-and-ethnic-composition/. Accessed April 7 2016

    Google Scholar 

  85. Quinn ME, Guion WK. A faith-based and cultural approach to promoting self-efficacy and regular exercise in older African American women. Gerontol Geriatr Educ. 2010;31(1):1–18. doi:10.1080/02701960903578311.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  86. Bopp M, Fallon E. A comprehensive review of faith-based physical activity interventions. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2012;6:18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  87. Gilligan C. In a different voice. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; 1982.

    Google Scholar 

  88. Henderson K, Allen K. The ethic of care: leisure possibilities and constraints for women. Loisi et Societe [Society and Leisure]. 1991;14:97–113.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  89. Bopp M, Wilcox S, Oberrecht L, Kammermann S, McElmurray CT. Correlates of strength training in older rural African American and Caucasian women. Women Health. 2004;40(1):1–20. doi:10.1300/J013v40n01_01.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  90. Bopp M, Lattimore D, Wilcox S, Laken M, McClorin L, Swinton R, et al. Understanding physical activity participation in members of an African American church: a qualitative study. Health Educ Res. 2007;22(6):815–26.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  91. Evans LK. Rural black women’s thoughts about exercise. Appl Nurs Res. 2011;24(4):200–6. doi:10.1016/j.apnr.2009.09.005.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  92. Kirchhoff AC, Elliott L, Schlichting JA, Chin MH. Strategies for physical activity maintenance in African American women. Am J Health Behav. 2008;32(5):517–24. doi:10.5555/ajhb.2008.32.5.517.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  93. Nies MA, Vollman M, Cook T. African American women’s experiences with physical activity in their daily lives. Public Health Nurs. 1999;16(1):23–31.

    CAS  PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  94. Walcott-McQuigg JA, Zerwic JJ, Dan A, Kelley MA. An ecological approach to physical activity in African American women. Medscape Womens Health. 2001;6(6):3.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  95. James DC, Pobee JW, Oxidine D, Brown L, Joshi G. Using the health belief model to develop culturally appropriate weight-management materials for African-American women. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2012;112(5):664–70. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2012.02.003.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  96. Hoebeke R. Low-income women’s perceived barriers to physical activity: focus group results. Appl Nurs Res. 2008;21(2):60–5. doi:10.1016/j.apnr.2006.06.002.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  97. Mama SK, McCurdy SA, Evans AE, Thompson DI, Diamond PM, Lee RE. Using community insight to understand physical activity adoption in overweight and obese African American and Hispanic women: a qualitative study. Health Educ Behav. 2014. doi:10.1177/1090198114557128.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  98. Gans KM, Kumanyika SK, Lovell HJ, Risica PM, Goldman R, Odoms-Young A, et al. The development of SisterTalk: a cable TV-delivered weight control program for black women. Prev Med. 2003;37(6 Pt 1):654–67 .doi:S0091743503002184

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  99. Wilcox S, Richter DL, Henderson KA, Greaney ML, Ainsworth BE. Perceptions of physical activity and personal barriers and enablers in African-American women. Ethn Dis. 2002;12(3):353–62.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  100. Currie J. Motherhood, stress and the exercise experience: freedom or constraint? Leis Stud. 2004;23(3):225–42. doi:10.1080/0261436042000251987.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  101. Bialeschki MD. Reentering leisure: transition within the role of motherhood. J Leis Res. 1994;26:57–74.

    Google Scholar 

  102. Barbee E. A black feminist approach to nursing research. Western J Nursing Res. 1994;16(5):11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  103. Collins P. Black feminist thought: knowledge, consciousness, and the politics of empowerment. Boston, MA: Unwin Hyman; 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  104. Henderson KA, Ainsworth BE. Enablers and constraints to walking for older African American and American Indian women: the cultural activity participation study. Res Q Exerc Sport. 2000;71(4):313–21.

    CAS  PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  105. Krans EE, Chang JC. A will without a way: barriers and facilitators to exercise during pregnancy of low-income, African American women. Women Health. 2011;51(8):777–94. doi:10.1080/03630242.2011.633598.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  106. Scannapieco M, Jackson S. Kinship care: the African American response to family preservation. Soc Work. 1996;41(2):190–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  107. Waites C. Building on strengths: intergenerational practice with African American families. Soc Work. 2009;54(3):278–87.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  108. Christian CM. Black sage: the African American experience. Houghton Mifflin: Boston, MA; 1995.

    Google Scholar 

  109. Chatters LM, Taylor RJ, Jayakody R. Fictive kinship relations in black extended families. J Comp Fam Stud. 1994;25:16.

    Google Scholar 

  110. Taylor RJ, Chatters LM, Woodward AT, Brown E. Racial and ethnic differences in extended family, friendship, fictive kin, and congregational informal support networks. Fam Relationsh. 2013;62(4):609–24. doi:10.1111/fare.12030.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  111. Johnson ER, Carson TL, Affuso O, Hardy CM, Baskin ML. Relationship between social support and body mass index among overweight and obese African American women in the rural deep south, 2011-2013. Prev Chronic Dis. 2014;11:E224. doi:10.5888/pcd11.140340.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  112. Whitt-Glover MC, Goldmon MV, Karanja N, Heil DP, Gizlice Z. Learning and developing individual exercise skills (L.A.D.I.E.S.) for a better life: a physical activity intervention for black women. Contemp Clin Trials. 2012;33(6):1159–71. doi:10.1016/j.cct.2012.08.003.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  113. Migneault JP, Dedier JJ, Wright JA, Heeren T, Campbell MK, Morisky DE, et al. A culturally adapted telecommunication system to improve physical activity, diet quality, and medication adherence among hypertensive African-Americans: a randomized controlled trial. Ann Behav Med. 2012;43(1):62–73. doi:10.1007/s12160-011-9319-4.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  114. Zoellner J, Connell C, Madson MB, Thomson JL, Landry AS, Fontenot Molaison E, et al. HUB city steps: a 6-month lifestyle intervention improves blood pressure among a primarily African-American community. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2014;114(4):603–12. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2013.11.020.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  115. Smith A. Smartphone Ownership- 2013 Update. Pew Research Center, http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/Smartphone-Ownership-2013.aspx. 2013. Accessed September 13 2013.

  116. Duggan M. Cell Phone activities 2013. Pew Research Center, http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/cell-activities.aspx. 2013. Accessed September 19 2013.

  117. Duggan M, Brenner, J. Demographics of social media users- 2012. Pew Internet and American Life Project., http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/Social-media-users.aspx. 2013. Accessed August, 2 2013.

  118. Lenhart, A. Cell phones and American adults. Pew Research Center, http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2010/cell-phones-and-american-adults.aspx. 2010. Accessed September 19 2013.

  119. Joseph RP, Durant NH, Benitez TB, Pekmezi DW. Internet-based physical activity interventions. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2013. doi:10.1177/1559827613498059.

    PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  120. Davies CA, Spence JC, Vandelanotte C, Caperchione CM, Mummery WK. Meta-analysis of internet-delivered interventions to increase physical activity levels. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2012;9:52. doi:10.1186/1479-5868-9-52.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  121. Vandelanotte C, Spathonis KM, Eakin EG, Owen N. Website-delivered physical activity interventions a review of the literature. Am J Prev Med. 2007;1:54–64.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  122. Maher CA, Lewis LK, Ferrar K, Marshall S, De Bourdeaudhuij I, Vandelanotte C. Are health behavior change interventions that use online social networks effective? A systematic review. J Med Internet Res. 2014;16(2):e40. doi:10.2196/jmir.2952.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  123. Norman GJ, Zabinski MF, Adams MA, Rosenberg DE, Yaroch AL, Atienza AA. A review of eHealth interventions for physical activity and dietary behavior change. Am J Prev Med. 2007;33(4):336–45. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2007.05.007.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  124. National Center for Education Statistics. The condition of education 2007. In: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sceicne, National Center of Education Statistics, editor. https://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2007064: National Center for Education Statistics; 2007.

  125. Plimpton S, Root J. Materials and strategies that work in low literacy health communication. Public Health Rep. 1994;109(1):86–92.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  126. BeLue R, Taylor-Richardson KD, Lin J, Rivera AT, Grandison D. African Americans and participation in clinical trials: differences in beliefs and attitudes by gender. Contemp Clin Trials. 2006;27(6):498–505. doi:10.1016/j.cct.2006.08.001.

    CAS  PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  127. Peek ME, Wilson SC, Gorawara-Bhat R, Odoms-Young A, Quinn MT, Chin MH. Barriers and facilitators to shared decision-making among African-Americans with diabetes. J Gen Intern Med. 2009;24(10):1135–9. doi:10.1007/s11606-009-1047-0.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  128. Whaley AL. Cultural mistrust and mental health services for African Americans: a review and meta-analysis. Couns Psychol. 2001;29(4):513–31. doi:10.1177/0011000001294003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  129. King WD. Examining African Americans’ Mistrust of the Health Care System: Expanding the Research Question. Commentary on “Race and Trust in the Health Care System”. Pub Health Rep (1974-). 2003;118(4):366–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  130. Chandra A, Paul 3rd DP. African American participation in clinical trials: recruitment difficulties and potential remedies. Hosp Topics. 2003;81(2):33–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  131. Kennedy BMBM. Cultural characteristics of African Americans: implications for the design of trials that target behavior and health promotion programs. Ethn Dis. 2007;17(3):548.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  132. Glanz K, Bishop DB. The role of behavioral science theory in development and implementation of public health interventions. Annu Rev Public Health. 2010;31:399–418. doi:10.1146/annurev.publhealth.012809.103604.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  133. Levy RL, Finch EA, Crowell MD, Talley NJ, Jeffery RW. Behavioral intervention for the treatment of obesity: strategies and effectiveness data. Am J Gastroenterol. 2007;102(10):2314–21. doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2007.01342.x.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  134. Noar SM, Benac CN, Harris MS. Does tailoring matter? Meta-analytic review of tailored print health behavior change interventions. Psychol Bull. 2007;133(4):673–93. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.133.4.673.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  135. Albert B. Social learning theory. Prentice Hall: Englewood Cliffs, NJ; 1977.

    Google Scholar 

  136. Bandura A. Social foundations of thought and action: a social cognitive framework. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall; 1986.

  137. Michie S, Abraham C, Whittington C, McAteer J, Gupta S. Effective techniques in healthy eating and physical activity interventions: a meta-regression. Health Psychol. 2009;6:690–701.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  138. Chase JA. Physical activity interventions among older adults: a literature review. Res Theory Nurs Pract. 2013;27(1):53–80.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  139. Bélanger-Gravel A, Godin G, Vézina-Im LA, Amireault S, Poirier P. The effect of theory-based interventions on physical activity participation among overweight/obese individuals: a systematic review. Obes Rev. 2011;12(6):430–9.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  140. Keller CS, Coe K, Moore N. Addressing the demand for cultural relevance in intervention design. Health Promot Pract. 2014;15(5):654–63.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  141. Henderson KA. Physical activity among African American women: changes and ways of knowing. Quest. 2011;63:11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  142. Kumanyika SK, Obarzanek E, Stettler N, et al. Population-based prevention of obesity: the need for comprehensive promotion of healthful eating, physical activity, and energy balance: a scientific statement from American Heart Association Council on epidemiology and prevention, interdisciplinary Committee for Prevention (formerly the expert panel on population and prevention science). Circulation. 2008;4:428–64.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

Preparation of this manuscript was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH/NHLBI), award K99 HL129012-01 (R. Joseph, P.I.) and the National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Nursing Research (NIH/NINR), award T32 1T32NR012718-01 Transdisciplinary Training in Health Disparities Science (C. Keller, P.I.). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH, NHLBI, or NINR.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, 500 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA

    Rodney P. Joseph & Colleen Keller

  2. Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0022, USA

    Olivia Affuso

  3. School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, 550 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA

    Barbara E. Ainsworth

Authors
  1. Rodney P. Joseph
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Colleen Keller
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Olivia Affuso
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Barbara E. Ainsworth
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rodney P. Joseph.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Joseph, R.P., Keller, C., Affuso, O. et al. Designing Culturally Relevant Physical Activity Programs for African-American Women: A Framework for Intervention Development. J. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities 4, 397–409 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-016-0240-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-016-0240-1

Keywords

  • Black
  • African-American
  • Women
  • Cultural tailoring
  • Exercise
  • Physical activity
  • Culture