Healthy and Active Families (Familias Sanas y Activas)

San Diego State University & University of California at San Diego: San Diego Prevention Research Center

Topics:
Community Health | Nutrition & Physical Activity for Adults | Nutrition & Physical Activity for Youth

Several strategies are under way to increase physical activity among Latino adults in San Ysidro, a predominantly low-income community on the U.S.-Mexico border of California. Researchers designed cost-free, culturally appropriate physical activity programs to encourage community members’ participation. The researchers also selected three organizations and a network of trainers to implement the programs and advocate for an environment conducive to activity. Participants receive tool kits that include exercise equipment and information on physical activity resources in San Ysidro. Trainers and agencies are learning to organize physical activity programs in the community that will be sustainable and replicable. Use of already identified physical activity resources, such as parks and gyms, is being assessed using direct observation and time sampling techniques (SOPARC, System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities). Self-reported health and demographic information are being collected through in-person interviews with participants and surveys of the networkers. The researchers will evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions and whether the trainers and community organizations build their capacity for delivering such interventions.

 

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