Attitudes Surrounding a Community-Based Fitness Intervention at an Urban FQHC

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The population surrounding an urban federally qualified health center (FQHC) in Philadelphia has poorer health than Philadelphia overall. Community residents identified aerobics and dance classes as very important services or programs that an FQHC might provide. We sought to measure the impact of participation in a resident physician-led, patient-centered fitness and nutrition class on participants’ attitudes, knowledge, and self-efficacy regarding their health. Methods: An urban line dancing class and brief healthy eating intervention for adults was held at a YMCA adjacent to a residency-affiliated FQHC weekly for 8 weeks. Pre/postsurveys were administered to assess attitudes and confidence toward physical activity and healthy lifestyles. Results: Participants’ self-assessment of health and levels of physical activity improved. Confidence in performing everyday activities, doing regular exercise and exercising without making symptoms worse increased. A significant decrease in participants’ physical activity gratification was observed. Participants’ confidence improved in reading food labels for health, but confidence in eating a balanced diet did not improve. Conclusions: A resident-led fitness and nutrition class, tailored to perceived community needs, generated significant interest and sustained participation. This pilot study furthered development of community infrastructure addressing health, nutrition, and overall fitness, and the results reflect opportunities and challenges of engaging communities in physical fitness.

Development and Effectiveness of a Community Capacity Building Program for the Wellness of Traditional Marketplace Merchants: A Pilot Study

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Research on Urban National Sports Fitness Demand Prediction Method Based on Ant Colony Algorithm

“…At present, people are eager to improve their physical quality by participating in physical exercise. Therefore, the social demand for physical fitness is also accumulating [ 1 ]. Moreover, with the development of competitive sports, people began to pay attention to the development of sports and have a certain demand for sports products and venues.…”

Impact of a Whole-Foods, Plant-Based Nutrition Intervention on Patients Living with Chronic Disease in an Underserved Community

“…Studies have shown increased consumption of fruits and vegetables and improved metabolic markers as a result of these programs. 24,25 Although evidence suggests benefits from the WFPB diet, [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] interventions advocating a transition to this diet are uncommon at FQHCs because of their perceived cost. There may also be a perception that such interventions are irrelevant to FQHC patients.…”