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Un Corazón Saludable: Factors Influencing Outcomes of an Exercise Program Designed to Impact Cardiac and Metabolic Risks among Urban Latinas

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Abstract

A high prevalence of physical inactivity, metabolic risk factors, and depression place Latinas in peril of developing cardiovascular disease. “Un Corazón Saludable: A Healthy Heart” was developed to engage urban Latinas in physical activity and increase awareness of cardiac and metabolic risk factors. Two hundred and twenty-five Latinas enrolled in the program that included salsa aerobics and culturally sensitive health education modules. Cardiac and metabolic risk factors measured in this study were body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, abdominal obesity, and blood pressure. Psychosocial risk factors measured included depressive symptoms and perceived social support. Fifty-two percent of the enrollees completed the program. Results indicated decreases in BMI, abdominal obesity, and symptoms of depression among Latinas who completed the program. Those who did not complete the program were younger, had greater depressive symptomatology, reported poorer social support, and they tended to be caregivers and U.S. born. Focus groups of program participants ascertained that caregiving and family obligations were major barriers to exercise while social support was a major facilitator of exercise. This research indicates that programs developed to recognize and address cultural barriers can impact physical and psychosocial risk factors among urban Latinas who are able to attend. Program retention may improve if future exercise programs conducted through community-base organizations offered support to Latinas regarding issues that interfere with self-care and health promotion. Future programs should consider including mental health and social service case management as part of comprehensive exercise/educational programs.

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Acknowledgements

This research program was supported by funds from the Edna Kynett Foundation, Barra Foundation, STEPS to a Healthier Philadelphia: Department of Public Health, Pennsylvania Department of Health: C.U.R.E. Program, The Cardiovascular Institute of Philadelphia, and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The author would also like to acknowledge the contributions of Peter Watts, exercise instructor; Abigail Adorno, study coordinator and focus group facilitator, and Research Assistant Laura Lorenz, BA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Einstein Center for Urban Health Policy and Research, Wister Tower Building, One Penn Boulevard, Suite 4442, Philadelphia, PA, 19144, USA

    Tina L. Harralson & Renee E. Walker

  2. Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 216 West Somerset Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19133, USA

    Julie Cousler Emig, Joanna Otero Cruz & Claudia Garcia-Leeds

  3. School of Public Health, Drexel University, 245 North 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Marcia Polansky

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  1. Tina L. Harralson
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  2. Julie Cousler Emig
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Correspondence to Tina L. Harralson.

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Harralson, T.L., Emig, J.C., Polansky, M. et al. Un Corazón Saludable: Factors Influencing Outcomes of an Exercise Program Designed to Impact Cardiac and Metabolic Risks among Urban Latinas. J Community Health 32, 401–412 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-007-9059-3

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