Keywords
Obesity; Food Environment; Community-Based Participatory Research; Urban Health; Physical Fitness; Food Preferences
Abstract
Background: Philadelphia has a high prevalence of hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and obesity. To reduce chronic disease, there is a need for targeted, innovative community-based interventions to improve the food and physical activity environments for urban residents. This case study describes the development and evaluation of a pilot program to address barriers to healthy food access and physical activity environments in a West Philadelphia neighborhood.
Community context: The Our Healthy Block (OHB) intervention took place on three blocks in West Philadelphia. Project staff worked closely with the local community association and the neighborhood Community Development Corporation.
Methods: The intervention was informed by a community advisory board and by findings from a mixed- method study of food and physical activity environments in the same community. Project staff facilitated block- based events and other activities in the neighborhood, working with Block Captains. Evaluation included baseline and follow-up surveys of residents, tracking of activity participation and ratings, and interviews.
Outcome: Block-based events were well attended, but fewer residents attended activities at locations outside the block areas. Surveys revealed a trend toward reduced consumption of high-fat foods. There were no significant changes in other key outcomes.
Interpretation: Overall, the OHB intervention was well received, particularly when activities were hosted on participating blocks. To maximize participation and impact nutrition and activity behaviors, events should be held in close proximity to residents’ homes. The program impact was limited by lower participation at other locations and by communication challenges and time constraints of community partners and residents.
Citation
Glanz K, Thomas N, Karpyn A, Watts C, Tomlinson A and Cannuscio C. Our Healthy Block: Evaluation of a Community-Based Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Intervention. SM J Nutr Metab. 2016; 2(1): 1013.