Active Ottumwa: Adapting Evidence-Based Recommendations to Promote Physical Activity in a Micropolitan New Destination Community

Effectiveness of implementing evidence-based approaches to promote physical activity in a Midwestern micropolitan area using a quasi-experimental hybrid type I study design

BACKGROUND

Much evidence-based physical activity (PA) interventions have been tested and implemented in urban contexts. However, studies that adapt, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions in micropolitan rural contexts are needed. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Active Ottumwa intervention to promote PA in a micropolitan community.

METHODS

Between 2013 - 2019, we implemented Active Ottumwa in a micropolitan setting, and subsequently implemented and evaluated its effectiveness using a Hybrid Type I design. In this paper, we describe the intervention's effectiveness in promoting PA. We collected PA data over 24 months from a cohort of community residents using accelerometers and PA data from two cross-sectional community surveys administered in 2013 and 2018, using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire.

RESULTS

From the cohort, we found significant change in PA over 24 months (P = 0.03) corresponding to a 45-min daily decrease in sedentary activity, a daily increase of 35-min in light PA and 9 min in moderate-to-vigorous PA. There was a statistically significant (P = 0.01) increasing trend at the population-level in the moderate-to-vigorous composition of 7 min between the two cross-sectional assessments (95% CI: 0.1%-1.34%).

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrates that the adapted evidence-based PA interventions in a micropolitan context is effective.

Rural Latino Men’s Experiences and Attitudes Toward Health: A Pilot Photovoice Study

Much of the research regarding Latino men’s health tends to focus on specific health outcomes (e.g., HIV or diabetes). Few studies have examined how Latino men perceive factors that influence their health and/or health-related behaviors. This study explored rural Latino men’s experiences and attitudes toward health, using photovoice, in the context of a community-based participatory research partnership. We recruited nine Latino men living in a small town in Southeastern Iowa. Four to nine men attended four sessions and led a community forum. All the men were foreign-born, identified as Latino, aged between 34 and 67 years, and had lived in the United States for at least 7 years. Five themes were identified: (a) cultural conflict, (b) too much and discordant information, (c) lifestyles conflict, (d) sacrifice, and (e) family connectedness. An important implication of this study derives from familial and community connections and sacrifice. Feeling disconnected from family may impact physical and mental health and health-promoting behaviors. Future research should explore ways to inform community- and family-level interventions to connect rural Latino men more strongly to their family and local community and help them to take better control of their health.

Reimagining Rural: Shifting Paradigms About Health and Well-Being in the Rural United States

Rural health disparities have attracted increased national attention, compelling an expanded focus on rural health research. In this article, we deconstruct the definitions and narratives of "rural" communities and suggest that a paradigm shift is needed that centers the complexity and strength of rural places. We discuss the relevance of health equity frameworks, implementation science, and community-engaged approaches to promote rural well-being. Focusing on rural in its own right will lead to intervention innovations and reinvention with implications beyond rural areas. We conclude with suggestions for research and practice to inspire renewed interest in partnering with rural communities to promote health equity.

Respondent-Driven Sampling to Recruit Latinos in a Midwest Micropolitan Area: Lessons Learned and Recommendations for Translational Work

Introduction

Latinos constitute a hard-to-reach minority population in Iowa.

Methods

We used respondent-driven sampling (RDS) to supplement random digit dialing (RDD) to recruit Latinos for a community physical activity intervention.

Results

RDS yielded a 59% increase in Latino participation in just two months, with few demographic differences between RDS and RDD groups.

Conclusions

RDS may increase recruitment of underrepresented populations and strengthen community engagement; however, it is not a quick fix for underperforming recruitment methods.