Results From an Intervention to Improve Rural Home Food and Physical Activity Environments

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Michelle C Kegler, Emory University; Iris Alcantara, Emory University; J. K. Veluswamy, Cancer Coalition of South Georgia; Regine Haardoerfer, Emory University; James A. Hotz, Albany Area Primary Health Care, Inc.; Karen Glanz, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2012-09-01
• Publisher: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV PRESS
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2012 The Johns Hopkins University Press.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1353/cpr.2012.0042
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action
• Volume: 6
• Issue: 3
• Start Page: 265
• End Page: 277
• Grant/Funding Information: This publication was supported by Cooperative Agreement Number # 5U48DP001909 from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Keywords: INVENTORY; obesity prevention; Rural; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; LIFE-STYLE; family; PREVENTION; physical activity; COMMUNITIES; BEHAVIOR-CHANGE; Science & Technology; RELIABILITY; WEIGHT-GAIN; intervention; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health; ADULTS; nutrition; DIETARY; WOMEN
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health; Health Sciences, Nutrition

Abstract

Background: Ecological models of healthy eating and physical activity emphasize the influence of behavioral settings such as homes and worksites in shaping behavior. Research on home environments suggests that both social and physical aspects of the home may impact physical activity and healthy eating. Objective: Using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, the Emory Prevention Research Center (EPRC), Cancer Coalition of South Georgia, and the EPRC's Community Advisory Board (CAB) designed and tested a coach-based intervention to make the home environment more supportive of healthy eating and physical activity for rural adults. Methods: The 6-week intervention consisted of a tailored home environment profile, goal-setting, and behavioral contracting delivered through two home visits and two telephone calls. The study used a quasi-experimental design with data collected via telephone interviews at baseline, 2 and 4 months post-baseline. Ninety households (n = 90) completed all three telephone interviews. Results: Multilevel models indicated that intervention households reported significant improvements in household food inventories, purchasing of fruit and vegetables, healthier meal preparation, meals with the TV off, and family support for healthy eating, relative to comparison households. Intervention households also reported increased exercise equipment and family support for physical activity relative to comparison households. Percent of fat intake decreased significantly, but no changes were observed for fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, or weight among intervention relative to comparison households, although trends were generally in a positive direction. Conclusion: Coaching combined with a focus on the home environment may be a promising strategy for weight gain prevention in adults.