Papers, Presentations & Final Reports
Supports and barriers to healthy eating and physical activity identified from diverse low-income focus group participants
Authors: Rebecca M. Mullis, PhD, RD, LD, Teresa B. Kaley, RD, LD
Title: Supports and barriers to healthy eating and physical activity identified from diverse low-income focus group participants
Presented at: The National Cardiovascular Health Conference, Washington, DC, April 11, 2002
Abstract: As part of the Georgia Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Initiative carried out by the Georgia Department of Human Resources, the Departments of Foods and Nutrition at Georgia State University and the University of Georgia conducted twelve focus groups in eleven rural and urban areas of Georgia. The primary objective of this work was to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease among Georgia residents by determining environmental and policy supports and barriers to healthy eating and physical activity and to solicit ideas about community resources needed to foster healthy eating and physical activity. One hundred twenty low-income participants represented seven target populations: African-Americans, Asians, Hispanics, the elderly, youths, rural residents, and non-sedentary workers. We observed some universal themes across groups with respect to social supports, the environment, and specific messages. The following objectives should be primary considerations for future development of environmental and policy community interventions impacting healthy eating and physical activity: (1) incorporate age-appropriate buddy systems as a strategy for helping initiate and maintain healthy behavior; (2) build community support in various forms such as walking trails and free or low-cost community centers; (3) build healthy eating and physical activity into community social activities; (4) provide point-of-purchase assistance, taste tests, and recipes in grocery stores; (5) provide nutritional values of foods and offer healthy choices in restaurants. These findings will serve as one step in determining the plan for prevention of cardiovascular disease in Georgia.
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