A guide for developing intervention tools addressing environmental factors to improve diet and physical activity

Health Promot Pract. 2007 Apr;8(2):192-204. doi: 10.1177/1524839906293189.

Abstract

Low-income populations have an elevated risk of obesity and associated chronic diseases. Environmental factors influence health behaviors that contribute to obesity. Although low-income neighborhoods may pose barriers to healthy behaviors, they may also have health-promoting environmental features (e.g., produce stands, walking trails). Thus, a potentially effective intervention strategy is to help individuals identify and overcome neighborhood barriers by making use of community resources that support a healthy diet and physical activity. The authors describe the formative research process undertaken to develop two community-focused intervention tools to complement a clinic-based cardiovascular disease risk-reduction program for underserved women. Literature review, community exploration, and examination of Internet and print resources contributed to development of a neighborhood assessment with tip sheets and a community resource guide. These tools were finalized using community members' feedback. This formative process can serve as a guide for other health promotion programs to create and use similar tools.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Community Health Centers
  • Community Health Planning*
  • Community Participation*
  • Counseling
  • Diet* / ethnology
  • Environment*
  • Female
  • Health Behavior* / ethnology
  • Health Education / methods*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Activity*
  • North Carolina
  • Pilot Projects
  • Program Development
  • Program Evaluation
  • Teaching Materials*
  • Women's Health* / ethnology