Grant Details
Grant Number: |
5R01CA159954-08 Interpret this number |
Primary Investigator: |
Marcus, Bess |
Organization: |
Brown University |
Project Title: |
Promoting Physical Activity in Latinas Via Interactive Web-Based Technology |
Fiscal Year: |
2020 |
Abstract
Abstract
In the U.S., Latina women report higher rates of inactivity than their non-Hispanic White and male counterparts,
and are disproportionately affected by related health conditions (e.g., cancer, hypertension, heart disease,
stroke, diabetes). To address this public health crisis, evidence-based interventions that utilize state-of-the-art
technology, theory and methods are needed to increase physical activity (PA) among this high-risk population.
Recently, our team conducted a randomized controlled trial (N=205) to test the efficacy of a 6-month culturally
adapted, individually tailored, Spanish-language Internet-based PA intervention among Latinas (Pasos Hacia
La Salud, R01CA159954) vs. a Wellness Contact Control Internet Group. Increases in minutes/week of
moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were significantly greater in the Intervention Group compared to
the Control Group at 6 and 12 months (p < .01) but still did not reach levels recommended in the national
physical activity guidelines. As improvements in PA in the Intervention Group were significantly associated with
website use and increases in self-efficacy, enjoyment, and social support in the parent study, we used these
data to inform technology and theory-supported enhancements to the intervention (i.e., text messaging and
adaptive goal setting to increase website use and further targeting of the previously mentioned key
psychosocial constructs) to achieve even greater increases in PA, and maintain these gains over the long term
(24 months) in the renewal of R01CA159954. For the proposed study, 300 Latina women will be randomized to
either 1) the original Pasos Hacia La Salud tailored Internet-based PA intervention (Original Intervention) or 2)
the data driven, enhanced version of the Pasos Hacia La Salud PA intervention (Enhanced Intervention). We
hypothesize that participants in the Enhanced Intervention arm will report significantly more minutes/week of
MVPA than participants in the Original Intervention arm at 6 months. We will also examine the maintenance of
treatment effects at 12, 18, and 24 months, as well as the costs of delivering the Enhanced vs. Original
Intervention programs, and the potential mediators of the intervention-PA relationship. The proposed high-
reach, low-cost intervention holds great promise in promoting and maintaining the positive health benefits of
PA in the lives of Latina women in the United States.
Publications
None