Recommendations for a Culturally Salient Web-based Physical Activity Program for African Americans.

Abstract

Background: Barriers to physical activity (PA) among African Americans (AAs) have been extensively studied, yet there is limited research on innovative PA interventions designed to address them. In recent years, many studies have used the internet to promote PA, but very few have included AAs. In this study, we sought the input of AA focus groups to inform the development of a web-based Physical Activity for The Heart (PATH) program for inactive AAs.

Methods: A qualitative design involving 4 focus groups stratified by sex and age was employed to explore AAs' needs and preferences for resources to be included in the PATH program. We employed an inductive approach to content analysis to analyze data using ATLAS.ti 7.5.

Results: Sixteen women and ten men (age 30-65 years) participated in the focus groups. Participants were obese (mean BMI 32.2 ± 5.4 kg/m²) with below average confidence rating (mean 46.4 ± 19.1%) on the Barriers Self-Efficacy Scale. Three main themes emerged from the data: 1) need to see similar others engaging in PA (workout videos featuring models with relatable body size, age, ethnicity), 2) flexible PA regimen (doable at any time/setting), and 3) age and sex differences in preferences for PA resources (religion, music, intensity).

Conclusion: These data suggest that specific intervention components, i.e., PA models who match participants' profiles, flexibility and tailoring to age/gender groups, could improve uptake of web-based PA programs designed for inactive AAs. Therefore, a precision health approach needs to be employed when designing interventions to promote PA among inactive AAs.