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The Health-e-AME Faith-Based Physical Activity Initiative: Description and Baseline Findings

Department of Exercise Science at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina

Marilyn Laken, PhD

Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina

Thaje Anderson, BA

Praise Aerobics Inc. in Charleston, South Carolina

Melissa Bopp, MS

Deborah Bryant, MSN

Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina

Rickey Carter, PhD

Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Epidemiology at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina

Octavia Gethers, MHSA

Office of Special Initiatives, Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina

Jeannette Jordan, MS, RD, CDE

Diabetes Education at Value Medical Healthcare Corporation in Charleston, South Carolina

Lottie McClorin, MS

Department of Exercise Science at the Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, in Columbia, South Carolina

Kathleen O'Rourke, PhD

University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida

Allen W. Parrott, DMin

Christian Education in the 7th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, in Landon, South Carolina

Rosetta Swinton, RN, BSN

7th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Charleston, South Carolina

Antronette Yancey, MD, MPH

Department of Health Services at the University of California, Los Angeles

This article provides an overview of the development, implementation, and baseline findings from a statewide faith-based physical activity (PA) initiative. The 3-year program is training African Methodist Episcopal volunteers across South Carolina to implement programs to increase PA in their congregations. To date, 98 churches have been trained. Interviews done with a random sample (n = 39) indicated that 54% are implementing at least one PA program. The baseline telephone survey (N = 571) estimates that 27.8% of the population is regularly active, 54.9% underactive, and 17.3% sedentary. Baseline rates of regular PA were higher in those who were younger, healthier, and nonsmokers. Challenges to date have included obtaining rosters and implementing a large-scale program with limited resources. Interest in the program has been strong and supported by church leaders. Current efforts are on training additional churches and working with those already trained to support sustainability.

Key Words: exercise • African American health • health disparities • faith-based initiatives • health promotion

This version was published on January 1, 2007

Health Promotion Practice, Vol. 8, No. 1, 69-78 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1524839905278902


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