Let’s Move for Pacific Islander Communities: an Evidence-Based Intervention to Increase Physical Activity

Abstract

Pacific Islander (PI) populations of Southern California experience high obesity and low physical activity levels. Given PI’s rich cultural ties, efforts to increase physical activity using a community tailored strategy may motivate members in a more sustainable manner. In this paper, we: 1) detail the program adaptation methodology that was utilized to develop the Weaving an Islander Network for Cancer Awareness, Research and Training (WINCART) Center’s PI Let’s Move Program, a culturally-tailored program aimed to increase physical activity levels among members of PI organizations in Southern California, and 2) share the program’s pilot evaluation results on individual and organizational changes. The WINCART Center applied the National Cancer Institute’s program adaptation guidelines to tailor the evidence-based Instant Recess program to fit the needs of PIs. The end product, the PI Let’s Move Program, was piloted in 2012 with eight PI organizations, reaching 106 PI adults. At baseline, 52% of participants reported that they were not physically active, with the average number of days engaged in medium-intensity physical activity at 2.09 days/week. After the 2-month program, participants increased the number of days that they engaged in medium-intensity physical activity from 2.09 to 2.90 days/week. Post-pilot results found that 82% of participants reported intentions to engage in physical activity for at least the next six months. At baseline, only one organization was currently implementing a physical activity program, and none had implemented an evidence-based physical activity program tailored for PIs. After the 2-month timeframe, despite varying levels of capacity, all eight organizations were able to successfully implement the program. In conclusion, results from our program provide evidence that disparity populations, such as PIs, can be successfully reached through programs that are culturally tailored to both individuals and their community organizations.

Best Practices for Community-Engaged Research with Pacific Islander Communities in the US and USAPI: A Scoping Review

“…Engagement of a community advisory board was cited as a way to ensure the needs and desires of the wider community were included in the research. 72,109 Faith-based leaders and community elders.-The engagement of faith-based leaders and community elders as a best practice was identified in 22% of the articles, [62][63][64]77,84,85,93,95,97,101,102,108,110,118,119,126,128,133,135,[137][138] which is consistent with CBPR best practices already identified concerning some populations (e.g., rural African Americans). 139,140 When discussing the involvement of faith-based leaders, articles cited the role of faith-based leaders as extending beyond religious beliefs and discussed the role of faith-based organizations and faith-based leaders as representing the clan structures, and faith-based leaders as having a role almost similar to that of a governmental leader within the community.…”

“…Community advisory board.-More than half (54%) of the reviewed articles mentioned partnering with a community advisory board. 62,[64][65][66][67]69,70,[72][73][74][75][76][78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90][91][92][93][94][95][98][99][100][101][102][103][104][105][106][107][108][109][110][111][112]116,117,[120][121][122][123]…”

“…In-language.-More than one-third (36%) of the articles reviewed discussed the necessity of having research studies conducted in the native language of the Pacific Islander community. 62,63,66,71,72,[75][76][77][78][79]84,[86][87][88][89][91][92][93][94][95]98,100,101,103,104,108,110,111,115,119 Best practices included providing both written and verbal communication in native language. One notable exception to language translation was research with Native Hawaiian community members because most Native Hawaiians are fluent in English, and many Native Hawaiians do not speak Hawaiian.…”

“…Incorporating faith beliefs.-Incorporating faith, which primarily include Christian and traditional beliefs, was described in 23% of the articles. [62][63][64]67,75,78,84,85,95,101,102,104,108,110,119,128,131,134 Many of the reviewed articles discussed the importance of incorporating faith into research studies, either by ensuring that the research protocol reflected specific faith-based practices or conducting studies within a church setting. Faith was discussed as a particularly important component in many Pacific Islander subgroups.…”

“…62,68,75,76,78,84,86,87,90,92,93,95,97,[99][100][101][102]105,[107][108][109]112,113,118,119,120,124,125,128,[141][142] …”