Increasing Physical Activity in American Indian Adults: Preliminary Results from a Multi‐institutional Obesity Prevention Program

Background Prevalence of obesity is disproportionately high among American Indians (AIs) and is associated with increased prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Increasing physical activity (PA) is associated with weight loss and maintenance of a healthy body weight. Objective The objective of this study was to decrease obesity and promote healthier bodyweights using a multi‐level, multi‐institutional obesity intervention designed to increase knowledge, build self‐efficacy, and influence intentions for improved behavior change at multiple levels. Primary areas of focus were nutrition, PA, and behaviors related to food consumption and purchasing. The aim of this analysis was to determine whether or not participants in the intervention communities engaged in a greater amount of PA versus comparison at follow‐up. Methods A randomized controlled community‐based program (OPREVENT) was developed, implemented, and evaluated within five AI communities. The five communities were randomly assigned to intervention (n=3) or delayed intervention (comparison; n=2)in New Mexico and Michigan. A modified International Physical Activity Questionnaire‐Short Form (IPAQ‐SF) was administered to 180 randomly selected community members at baseline and follow‐up from intervention and comparison communities. Results Total days per week participating in vigorous PA was significantly different between intervention and comparison at follow‐up ( p <0.05). Total Metabolic Equivalents(METs) of vigorous PA was significantly different between intervention and comparison at follow‐up ( p <0.05). Conclusions OPREVENT was associated with an increase in days per week engaged invigorous PA as well as an increase in total METs vigorous PA in communities that received the OPREVENT program. Support or Funding Information The USDA provided funding for this project. Approval and support was obtained from all participating tribal communities.