Abstract
In the 2014 Yellowstone County Community Health Needs Assessment, only 36% of women reported meeting the aerobic physical activity guidelines for Americans, as compared to 50% of men. A gender analysis was conducted to discover perceived barriers to physical activity. From this analysis, a community based physical activity intervention was developed to address physical activity disparities. Participants self-selected into evidence-based physical activity classes. Cluster randomization was employed. Half of the classes were additionally assigned to receive gender-tailored examples and gender awareness education. Evaluations were conducted at baseline, 7 weeks, 12 weeks and a 6-month follow-up. Data collection instruments include an exercise self-efficacy survey, quality of life survey, and a stage of change questionnaire. Participants in both the control and intervention conditions had significant improvement in responses related to physical activity enjoyment and physical activity self-efficacy scores during the study. At baseline, less than 40% of participants in both conditions reported meeting aerobic physical activity guidelines for Americans. At the 6-month follow-up, approximately 77% of respondents in the control group and 84% of respondents in the intervention group reported meeting the aerobic physical activity guidelines for Americans. While significant differences weren't observed between the intervention and control group, use of a gender-based addition to an existing evidence-based physical activity intervention did not adversely impact outcomes and trended positively. This suggests the selection of a community-based intervention which accommodates existing gender norms shows promise toward increasing physical activity rates. Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs Assessment of individual and community needs for health education Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs Program planning