ASPO Abstracts
Informing the development of a Samoan Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) program: a faith-based approach
Category: Cancer Health Disparities
Conference Year: 2023
Abstract Body:
Background: Heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death for Pacific Islanders (PIs) in the U.S., with obesity implicated as a contributing factor to both. In the U.S., PIs experience a high prevalence of obesity. Unfortunately, there are no established evidence-based interventions (EBIs) to improve physical activity and nutritional consumption for cancer prevention in PIs. Methods: The Samoan Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) project is the first Samoan faith-based study in Northern California to inform the implementation of developing a culturally-adapted health interventions. We applied the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to identify and understand the facilitators and barriers to adopting a physical activity and nutrition EBI. Multi-methods (quantitative and qualitative) were used to assess needs among Samoan adults and intervention ideas among church leaders. Results: We completed a total of n=71 surveys of adults from one church, and n=8 key informant interviews with pastors, their wives, or other leaders from four churches. Analyses indicated 50% of respondents were physically inactive, 59% ate vegetables and 64% ate fruit less than 5 times a week, and 43% self- reported fair/poor health status. The overwhelming majority of respondents respectively were interested in programs to improve eating habits (89%) and physical activity (95%), with significantly higher interests among older adults. Preference for program engagement were at home (64%), church (41%), or a park/recreation center (41%). Leaders from all four churches agreed that having more health programs were needed, despite half already hosting health and/or wellness programs (e.g., Zumba, gardening, food drives) with major facilitators including strongly leader support and existing health committees within each church. They cautioned, however, that challenges included busy schedules, childcare needs, and COVID fears. Conclusions: Future action include the tailoring of two existing EBIs for Samoans, and a larger implementation plan to promote adoption and sustainability in Samoan churches across Northern California.
Keywords: Pacific Islander, implementation science, churches