The design and impact of culturally-safe community-based physical activity promotion for immigrant women: descriptive review

Raising awareness about physical activity's role in reducing cancer risk: qualitative interviews with immigrant women and community agency managers

OBJECTIVES

To explore how to reach immigrant women through community agencies to raise awareness of the role of physical activity (PA) in reducing cancer risk.

STUDY DESIGN

Qualitative description.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with immigrant women and community agency managers to discuss the ideal design of an education session on PA and cancer risk, and identified themes using content analysis.

RESULTS

Participants included 22 women (6 African or Caribbean Black, 4 Chinese, 3 Filipino, 5 Indian, 4 Pakistani) and 16 agency managers from across Canada. Women were not familiar with Canada's PA guidelines, and few were aware that PA reduces the risk of cancer. All expressed interest in education about PA and cancer. Diverse women and managers expressed similar preferences for education session design including content (e.g. PA amount/type), format (e.g. in person preferred but virtual more practical), personnel (external expert plus agency staff), cultural tailoring (e.g. translated supplemental take home information) and reinforcing (e.g. follow-up with participants) strategies. Women and managers identified few barriers to participating in education sessions, chiefly, that women lacked time due to work and family responsibilities; and noted several enablers of participation (e.g. emphasize social aspect, provide gift cards or recreation centre passes).

CONCLUSIONS

We generated insight on the ideal characteristics of a community-based education session that could raise awareness among immigrant women of the importance of PA in reducing cancer risk. Further research is needed to assess the feasibility and impact of PA education sessions designed based on these findings.

Barriers and facilitators to older adult participation in intergenerational physical activity program: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The intergenerational physical activity program aims to promote the health, social engagement, and well-being of older adults. It is essential to comprehend the barriers and facilitators that affect their involvement to develop successful intervention strategies. This systematic review critically examines available research to identify the factors that impact the participation of older adults in intergenerational physical activity programs.

METHODS

This study retrieved 13 electronic databases (from January 2000 to March 2023) and used a social-ecological model to classify and analyze the identified facilitators and barriers.

RESULTS

A total of 12 articles were included, which identified 73 facilitators and 37 barriers. These factors were condensed into 7 primary themes and 14 sub-themes in total.

CONCLUSIONS

The factors influencing the participation of older adults in intergenerational physical activities are multifaceted. These factors guide project developers, policymakers, and practitioners in developing and implementing intergenerational physical activity programs to help address global aging issues and promote intergenerational connections.

TRIAL REGISTRY

PROSPERO ID: CRD42023420758.

Acceptability of Intergenerational Physical Activity Programming: A Mixed Methods Study of Latino Aging Adults in Nebraska

Objective: This study explored Hispanic/Latino aging adults' interest in and preferences for intergenerational physical activity programming. Methods: We used an exploratory sequential (Qual-QUAN) mixed methods design consisting of three focus groups (N = 13 participants; M age = 62.5 years old) and a quantitative survey (N = 105 participants; M age = 57.3 years old). Results: We found that most participants were interested in intergenerational physical activity programs: (1) to promote overall health and well-being, (2) increase opportunities for socialization and relationships, and (3) foster motivation and energy. Preferences for programming included cultural tailoring, bilingual and Spanish-language offerings, and being conducted in-person. Barriers to physical activity included cost, scheduling, transportation, and limited awareness of community resources. Discussion: Innovative public health initiatives incorporating an intergenerational approach may promote physical activity among aging adults. This study has implications for developing and refining intergenerational programming with Hispanic/Latino communities.

Cultural Influences on African Migrant Pregnant and Postnatal Women's Dietary Behaviours and Nutrition Support Needs in the UK

Black women in the UK face significantly higher risks of overweight and obesity and adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to women from other ethnic groups. Maternal nutrition plays a pivotal role in influencing the health outcomes of women and their children, especially during preconception and pregnancy. Cultural and environmental factors significantly influence the dietary experiences of African women after migration. This study explored the unique nutrition-related challenges faced by African migrant pregnant and postnatal women in the UK, and their nutrition support needs. Interviews were conducted with 23 African migrant women living in the UK, who were either pregnant or had a pregnancy within the past 3 years. These were analysed thematically, resulting in five overarching themes: food rituals and beliefs, pregnancy cravings, limited access to culturally appropriate food, limited access to culturally appropriate and evidence-based nutritional guidance, and the focus on healthy weight. The study identified challenges that African migrant women face in balancing their cultural heritage with the UK food environment and dietary recommendations, including potential implications on their health and pregnancy outcomes. It emphasised the importance of addressing these challenges through culturally sensitive approaches and tailored interventions, to enable informed decision making and enhance health outcomes for these women.

Cancer Screening Program Delivered by Community Health Workers for Chinese Married Immigrant Women in Korea

This quasi-experimental study used a cancer prevention program delivered by community health workers (CHWs) as an intervention to improve health literacy and increase screening uptake. The intervention group was educated by trained CHWs and received information about the nearby hospitals. After education, participants received telephone counseling once a month for 6 months. In the intervention group, CHWs met the participants individually and delivered the CD-ROM containing conversation scenarios with voice during the cancer screening test. The control group was provided educational materials related to breast and cervical cancers and a booklet containing information on mammography and Pap test. This study assessed the difference in mammography and Pap tests between the intervention and control groups. The results showed that the participants’ knowledge improved, and the rate of cancer screening tests did not decrease in the intervention group. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and apply various programs that train CHWs and apply them to immigrant women to promote health-related behaviors under the health system that they are not familiar with while living in another country.