Integrating health education and physical activity programming for cardiovascular health promotion among female inmates: A proof of concept study

• Published in: Contemporary clinical trials 2016-05, Vol.48, p.65-69
• Main Authors: Nair, Uma S, Jordan, Jeremy, Funk, Daniel, Gavin, Kristin, Tibbetts, Erica, Collins, Bradley N
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Bicycling; Body Weight; Cardiovascular; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cardiovascular health; Exercise; Female; Health Behavior; Health Education - methods; Health Promotion - methods; Healthy Diet; Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine; Humans; Middle Aged; Multiple health behavior change; Overweight - therapy; Physical activity; Prisoners; Proof of Concept Study; Smoking Cessation; Stress, Psychological - therapy; Underserved women; United States; Vulnerable Populations; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1551-7144; 1559-2030
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2016.03.007

Abstract Female inmate populations in the United States tend to be overweight, physically inactive, experience high stress, and have a history of nicotine and other drug dependence. Thus, they bear elevated risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease than the general population. However, few evidence-based health interventions exist for this population. This study will test proof of concept, feasibility, and potential efficacy of a multiple health behavior change intervention that integrates CV-health promotion education delivered during a physical activity (PA) program (indoor cycling) tailored to this population. This study uses a quasi-experimental 2-group design with two measurement time-points: baseline and 8-week end of treatment. N = 120 incarcerated women (18–59 years of age) who are medically cleared for participation in PA will be enrolled. Indoor cycling instructors will be trained to deliver five health education topics over an 8-week period during twice-weekly cycling classes. Topics match the American Heart Association recommendations for CV health: (a) nutrition, (b) PA promotion, (c) weight management, (d) stress management, and (e) smoking cessation and relapse prevention. Modes of intervention include instructor advice, written materials and audio/video clips reviewed during class. CV-related and mental health measures will be assessed at both time-points. Results will guide a full scale efficacy study. Future research in this area has potential to impact the health of female inmates, a high-risk population. Moreover, this multiple health behavior change intervention model represents a community approach to health promotion that could generalize to other underserved populations who may benefit most from similar intervention efforts.