A Guide for Developing Intervention Tools Addressing Environmental Factors to Improve Diet and Physical Activity

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Citation

Jilcott Pitts, Stephanie B.; Laraia, Barbara A.; Evenson, Kelly R.; Lowenstein, Lisa M.; & Ammerman, Alice S. (2007). A Guide for Developing Intervention Tools Addressing Environmental Factors to Improve Diet and Physical Activity. Health Promotion Practice, 8(2), 192-204.

Abstract

Low-income populations have an elevated risk of obesity and associated chronic diseases. Environmental factors influence health behaviors that contribute to obesity. Although low-income neighborhoods may pose barriers to healthy behaviors, they may also have health-promoting environmental features (e.g., produce stands, walking trails). Thus, a potentially effective intervention strategy is to help individuals identify and overcome neighborhood barriers by making use of community resources that support a healthy diet and physical activity. The authors describe the formative research process undertaken to develop two community-focused intervention tools to complement a clinic-based cardiovascular disease risk-reduction program for underserved women. Literature review, community exploration, and examination of Internet and print resources contributed to development of a neighborhood assessment with tip sheets and a community resource guide. These tools were finalized using community members' feedback. This formative process can serve as a guide for other health promotion programs to create and use similar tools.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1524839906293189

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2007

Journal Title

Health Promotion Practice

Author(s)

Jilcott Pitts, Stephanie B.
Laraia, Barbara A.
Evenson, Kelly R.
Lowenstein, Lisa M.
Ammerman, Alice S.