scholarly journals Kick Start Your Day

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (SI-Obesity) ◽  
pp. 26-33
Author(s):  
Rehanna Mohammad ◽  
Shari McMahan ◽  
Michele Mouttapa ◽  
Yuese Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Latino Youth ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Intervention Effects

Obesity rates among Hispanic/Latino youth are 5-10% higher than Caucasian youth. Kick Start Your Day was a six-week intervention that was pilot tested in a low-income, predominantly Latino community. The intervention consisted of nutrition education for parents, fun physical activities for children, low glycemic breakfasts and snacks for parents and children, and bilingual resources (e.g., recipe books) to take home. Fifty-six Latino parents (n= 25 intervention, n= 31 control) and their children ages 6-12 participated, and completed both baseline and end-of-program self-report questionnaires. Logistic regression models were used to examine intervention effects on increases in nutrition knowledge, while linear regression models were used to examine intervention effects on changes in parents’ and children’s physical activity. All models adjusted for outcome scores at baseline. Results indicated that intervention group parents were more likely to learn that eating breakfast can help their child pay attention and can prevent moodiness, and that nutrition labels contain information about sodium content. Intervention group parents also had greater increases in vigorous physical activity. This study provided preliminary evidence that a low-cost, family-centered intervention can lead to increases in knowledge and behavior change.

scholarly journals Parental-perceived home and neighborhood environmental correlates of accelerometer-measured physical activity among school-going children in Uganda

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (12) ◽  
pp. e0000089
Author(s):  
Bernadette Nakabazzi ◽  
Lucy-Joy M. Wachira ◽  
Adewale L. Oyeyemi ◽  
Ronald Ssenyonga ◽  
Vincent O. Onywera
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Public Schools ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
School Type ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Environmental Characteristics ◽  
Cross Sectional

The benefits of physical activity (PA) on children’s health and well-being are well established. However, many children do not meet the PA recommendations, increasing their risk of being overweight, obese, and non-communicable diseases. Environmental characteristics of homes and neighborhoods may constrain a child’s ability to engage in PA, but evidence is needed to inform country-specific interventions in understudied low-income countries. This study assessed the associations between parental-perceived home and neighbourhood, built environment characteristics, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among children in Kampala city, Uganda. In this cross-sectional study, data were obtained from 256 children (55.5% girls) aged between 10 and 12 years and their parents. Children’s MVPA was measured using waist-worn ActiGraph accelerometers. The environments were assessed using a valid self-reported parent survey. Linear regression models with standard errors (clusters) were used to analyze the relationship between environmental variables and children’s MVPA. Sex-specific relationships were assessed using sex-stratified models. Play equipment at home (β = -2.37, p <0.001; unexpected direction), residential density (β = 2.70, p<0.05), and crime safety (β = -5.29, p <0.05; unexpected direction) were associated with children’s MVPA. The sex-specific analyses revealed more inconsistent patterns of results with a higher perception of land use mix associated with less MVPA in girls (irrespective of school type attended), and higher perceptions of sidewalk infrastructure (β = -12.01, p <0.05) and walking and cycling infrastructure (β = -14.72, p <0.05) associated with less MVPA in girls attending public schools only. A better perception of crime safety was associated with less MVPA among boys and girls attending private schools (β = -3.80, p <0.05). Few environmental characteristics were related to children’s MVPA in Uganda, and findings were largely inconsistent, especially among girls. Future studies are needed to understand the ecological determinants of health-related PA behaviors among children in Uganda.

Abstract P332: Socio-environmental Influences on Youth Total Sedentary Time: Results From the Hispanic Community Health Study / Study of Latino Youth

Circulation ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 137 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Melawhy L Garcia ◽  
Sheila F Castaneda ◽  
Linda C Gallo ◽  
Maria Lopez-Gurrola ◽  
Krista M Perreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Latino Youth ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Sampling Weights

Introduction: Sedentary behavior (SED) is associated with higher obesity and cardiometabolic risk in youth, independent of physical activity. Studies showing the association between screen time and SED among Hispanics/Latinos, have primarily focused on Mexican-origin Hispanics. Additional research is needed to examine other socio-environmental factors that can influence SED among diverse Hispanics/Latinos. This cross-sectional study examined the home-, neighborhood-, and school- environment to identify factors associated with total sedentary time among youth. Methods: Data from 1,104 youth ages 8-16 years and 728 caregivers (mean age 43.1 ± 8.2 years) from four U.S. cities, who participated in the Study of Latino Youth (2012-2014), were examined. Associations between socio-environmental factors (measured by self-report) and total sedentary time (measured by one-week Actical accelerometry) were examined in linear regression models that included MVPA minutes/day, demographic covariates, and accounted for the complex survey design and sampling weights. Results: Mean sedentary time was 10.1 ± 1.8 hours/day. Home environment factors, such as electronics in the bedroom and parent limit setting, were not associated with total sedentary time. Presence of barriers to physical activity in the neighborhood (e.g., muggings, gangs) was associated with 13.4 more minutes of sedentary time per day. Attending a school that never/rarely compared to sometimes offered after school physical activity opportunities was associated with more sedentary time (B=38.0 minutes/day; 95% Confidence Interval: 13.5-62.4). Conclusions: The study findings highlight the need for future research to investigate other sources of sedentary behavior in the home for interventionist to focus on specific SED-based strategies to decrease sedentary time among youth. Minimizing barriers by identifying safe places to be active in participant’s neighborhoods may also support youth to spend less time indoors where sedentary time is prevalent.

scholarly journals Objectively Measured Sedentary Behavior, Physical Activity, and Cardiometabolic Risk in Hispanic Youth: Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latino Youth

2018 ◽  
Vol 103 (9) ◽  
pp. 3289-3298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Garrett Strizich ◽  
Robert C Kaplan ◽  
Daniela Sotres-Alvarez ◽  
Keith M Diaz ◽  
Amber L Daigre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Cardiometabolic Risk ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Latino Youth ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Accelerometer Data ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 ◽  
Wear Time

Abstract Context Time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), but not in sedentary behavior (SB), is related to cardiometabolic risk among non-Hispanic white youth. Objective Examine associations of SB and MVPA with cardiometabolic risk factors among Hispanic/Latino youth. Design Cross-sectional analysis. Setting Four US communities. Participants Hispanic/Latino youth (N = 1,426) ages 8 to 16 years. Measurements Associations of MVPA and SB, measured using 7-day accelerometer data (independent variables), with markers of glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation, and endothelial function (dependent variables), were assessed in multivariable linear regression models while adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and accelerometer wear time. Additional models controlled for obesity measures. Results SB comprised a mean (SD) of 75% (13%) of accelerometer wear time; mean (SD) time of MVPA was 35 min/d (22 min/d). Deleterious levels of high-density lipoprotein–cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, insulin resistance, C-reactive protein, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 were associated with lower levels of MVPA and higher levels of SB (all P &lt; 0.05). Associations of MVPA with log-transformed triglyceride concentrations (β per 15-min/d increment, −0.039; SE, 0.018; P = 0.037) and SB with HDL-C (β per 30-min/d increment, −0.63; SE, 0.26; P = 0.018), but not those with other markers, remained significant after adjusting for MVPA or SB and further adjustment for body mass index and waist circumference. Higher SB tertiles were associated with lower soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products in fully adjusted models (P for trend = 0.037). Conclusions Physiological precursors of diabetes and cardiovascular disease were associated with MVPA and SB among US Hispanic/Latino youth, a group that bears a disproportionate burden of metabolic disorders.

scholarly journals Compliance of the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines in 9- to 11-Year-Old Children From a Low-Income Town in Chile

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 1034-1041
Author(s):  
Marcelo Toledo-Vargas ◽  
Patricio Perez-Contreras ◽  
Damian Chandia-Poblete ◽  
Nicolas Aguilar-Farias
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Sixth Grade ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Valid Data

Background: The purpose was to determine the proportion of 9- to 11-year-old children meeting the 24-hour movement guidelines (24-HMG) in a low-income town from Chile. Methods: Physical activity, sedentary behavior (recreational screen), and sleep times were measured with both questionnaire and accelerometer in 258 children from third to sixth grade. Meeting the 24-HMG was defined as having ≥60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity, ≤2 hour day of screen time, and 9 to 11 hours of sleep per night. Compliance rates were calculated as self-reported 24-HMG, with all estimations based on questionnaires, and mixed 24-HMG, in which physical activity and sleep were determined with an accelerometer and sedentary behavior was determined with a questionnaire. Results: About 198 children (10.1 [0.8] y, range 9–11 y) provided valid data for estimating self-reported 24-HMG, and 141 for mixed 24-HMG. Only 3.2% and 0.7% met the 24-HMG when using the self-reported and mixed methods, respectively. When assessing individual recommendations, 13.1% and 3.7% of the sample were physically active based on the self-report and accelerometer, respectively. About a quarter met the sedentary behavior recommendations, while around 50% met the sleep recommendations with both self-reported and mixed methods. Conclusions: An extremely low percentage of the participants met the 24-HMG. Multicomponent initiatives must be implemented to promote healthy movement behaviors in Chilean children.

Moderate to vigorous physical activity effect on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e24151-e24151
Author(s):  
Grace Kanzawa-Lee ◽  
John C. Krauss ◽  
Robert Ploutz-Snyder ◽  
Janet Larson ◽  
Ken Resnicow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Gastrointestinal Cancer ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Response Analysis ◽  
Hands And Feet

e24151 Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common intractable side effect of oxaliplatin treatment that presents with numbness, tingling, and nerve pain in both hands and feet; and sometimes, weakness and impaired balance and quality of life. Moderate-vigorous (MV) physical activity (PA) may reduce CIPN by improving blood circulation, chemotherapy distribution, inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuroplasticity. This dose-response analysis aimed to explore the effect of different MVPA and total PA doses on CIPN severity among oxaliplatin-receiving gastrointestinal cancer survivors. Methods: The original pilot RCT tested an 8-week home-based brisk walking intervention versus PA education alone to reduce CIPN. This analysis focuses on the intervention group ( n = 29), which received MVPA motivational supports (e.g., a Fitbit Charge 2, walking plan, motivational interviewing). Participants completed self-report CIPN severity surveys at baseline (2nd oxaliplatin infusion) and 8 weeks. Fitbit-classified minutes of weekly MV and daily total (light-vigorous) PA were averaged over the 8 weeks. MVPA was dichotomized: met 225 weekly MVPA minutes ( n = 17) or not ( n = 19). Linear regression was used to analyze the effect of MVPA/total PA changes and effects on 8-week CIPN severity, controlling for oxaliplatin dose received and baseline CIPN levels. Results: Increases over the 8 weeks were observed in patients’ MVPA (mean difference [ MD] = 17.39 min/week; 95% CI 1.38, 33.40; p = .03) and total PA ( MD = 7.80 min/week; 95% CI 2.31, 13.29; p = .01). Total PA had no effect on the outcomes. However, averaging at least 225 MVPA minutes per week led to less severe sensory CIPN ( MD = -7.28; 95% CI -13.53, -1.03; p = .03), particularly tingling in the hands ( MD = -26.35; 95% CI -44.03, -8.68; p = .01). The models accounted for 37% and 44% of the variance in sensory CIPN ( p = .02) and tingling at 8 weeks ( p = .01), respectively. Conclusions: This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that increasing weekly MVPA, specifically, may lead to reduced CIPN severity among gastrointestinal cancer survivors receiving oxaliplatin. A larger study that utilizes stronger MVPA measurement and biomarker evaluation is needed. Clinical trial information: NCT03515356 .

scholarly journals The effect of a cluster-randomized controlled trial on lifestyle behaviors among families at risk for developing type 2 diabetes across Europe: the Feel4Diabetes-study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vicky Van Stappen ◽  
Greet Cardon ◽  
Marieke De Craemer ◽  
Christina Mavrogianni ◽  
Nataliya Usheva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Energy Balance ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviors ◽  
Intervention Effects

Abstract Background This study investigated the effect of the Feel4Diabetes-intervention, a 2-year multilevel intervention, on energy balance-related behaviors among European families at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Intervention effects on self-reported physical activity, sedentary behavior and eating behaviors were investigated across and within the participating countries: Belgium, Finland, Greece, Spain, Hungary and Bulgaria. Methods Families were recruited through schools, located in low socio-economic status areas. In total, 4484 families at risk for developing type 2 diabetes were selected using the FINDRISC-questionnaire. Parents’ and children’s energy balance-related behaviors data were collected by questionnaires at three time points (baseline, mid- and post intervention). Families assigned to the intervention group were invited to participate in a 2-year school-, community-, and family-based intervention to promote a healthier lifestyle, including counseling sessions (first intervention year) and text messages (second intervention year). Families assigned to the control group received standard care, including medical check-up results and recommendations and tips regarding a healthy lifestyle. To assess the intervention-effects, Mixed Models were conducted using the R-Package “lmer “with R v3.2. Results Significant intervention effects were found on a certain number of families’ lifestyle behaviors. Significant favorable intervention effects were detected on parents’ water consumption and consumption of fruit and vegetables, and on children’s consumption of sweets and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Analyses by country revealed significant favorable intervention effects on water consumption and on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in Belgian parents and on fruit and vegetable consumption among Belgian children, on sweets consumption among Spanish parents and children, and on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among Finnish children. Unfavorable intervention effects were found on the consumption of soft drinks and sugar-containing juices among Hungarian children and parents, while when examining the intervention effects for the overall population and per country, 10 from the 112 investigated outcome variables were improved in the intervention group compared to the control group (9%). Conclusions The Feel4Diabetes-intervention managed to improve a certain number of targeted lifestyle behaviors while the intervention was not effective on a large number of targeted lifestyle behaviors. The findings of the current study are encouraging, but further research is needed on how we can further improve effectiveness of lifestyle interventions to prevent type 2 diabetes in families at risk. Trial registration The Feel4Diabetes-study is registered with the clinical trials registry http://clinicaltrials.gov, ID: 643708.

scholarly journals “I am going out!” – lifestyle sports and physical activity in adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Janeckova ◽  
Z. Hamrik ◽  
M. Matusova ◽  
P. Badura
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Great Opportunity ◽  
Sport Activities ◽  
Lifestyle Activities ◽  
Out Of School

Abstract Background Lifestyle sport activities (e.g. parkour or skateboarding) are considered attractive and beneficial for a long-term commitment to physical activity (PA) and might be a great opportunity for adolescents who do not feel comfortable in an organized or competitive atmosphere. The purpose of the study was to assess whether participation in lifestyle activities is associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), out-of-school vigorous physical activity (VPA), and sedentary behaviour in adolescents aged 10–15 years, with major demographic variables (sex, age, socioeconomic status) being taken into account. Methods Data from a research project linked to the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey collected in 2017 in the Czech Republic was used. The sample consisted of 679 participants (303 of them girls) and was selected by quota sampling. Chi-square tests were used to assess differences in involvement in lifestyle activities according to sex, grade, and socioeconomic status. Ordinal and linear regression models were used to analyse the associations of participation in lifestyle activities and selected energy balance-related behaviours. Results Participation in lifestyle sport activities was significantly associated with a higher level of physical activity (MVPA and out-of-school VPA) after adjustment for sociodemographic factors, as was participation in organized sport. No significant associations were shown for sedentary behaviour. Conclusions Adolescents participating in lifestyle sport activities report being more physically active and, in case of doing multiple such activities concurrently, also spending less time sitting than their peers not involved in lifestyle sport activities. As such, lifestyle sport activities seem to represent a feasible way of increasing overall PA level in adolescent population.

scholarly journals Feelings of safety during daytime walking: associations with mental health, physical activity and cardiometabolic health in high vacancy, low-income neighborhoods in Detroit, Michigan

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amber L. Pearson ◽  
Kimberly A. Clevenger ◽  
Teresa H. Horton ◽  
Joseph C. Gardiner ◽  
Ventra Asana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Spatial Data ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cardiometabolic Health ◽  
Multilevel Regression ◽  
Critical Pathway ◽  
Perceived Safety

Abstract Introduction Individuals living in low-income neighborhoods have disproportionately high rates of obesity, Type-2 diabetes, and cardiometabolic conditions. Perceived safety in one’s neighborhood may influence stress and physical activity, with cascading effects on cardiometabolic health. Methods In this study, we examined relationships among feelings of safety while walking during the day and mental health [perceived stress (PSS), depression score], moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA), Body Mass Index (BMI), and hemoglobin A1C (A1C) in low-income, high-vacancy neighborhoods in Detroit, Michigan. We recruited 69 adults who wore accelerometers for one week and completed a survey on demographics, mental health, and neighborhood perceptions. Anthropometrics were collected and A1C was measured using A1CNow test strips. We compiled spatial data on vacant buildings and lots across the city. We fitted conventional and multilevel regression models to predict each outcome, using perceived safety during daytime walking as the independent variable of interest and individual or both individual and neighborhood-level covariates (e.g., number of vacant lots). Last, we examined trends in neighborhood features according to perceived safety. Results In this predominantly African American sample (91%), 47% felt unsafe during daytime walking. Feelings of perceived safety significantly predicted PSS (β = − 2.34, p = 0.017), depression scores (β = − 4.22, p = 0.006), and BMI (β = − 2.87, p = 0.01), after full adjustment. For PA, we detected a significant association for sex only. For A1C we detected significant associations with blighted lots near the home. Those feeling unsafe lived in neighborhoods with higher park area and number of blighted lots. Conclusion Future research is needed to assess a critical pathway through which neighborhood features, including vacant or poor-quality green spaces, may affect obesity—via stress reduction and concomitant effects on cardiometabolic health.

scholarly journals Validity, reliability, and calibration of the physical activity unit 7 item screener (PAU-7S) at population scale

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Helmut Schröder ◽  
Isaac Subirana ◽  
Julia Wärnberg ◽  
María Medrano ◽  
Marcela González-Gross ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Predictive Validity ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Weighted Kappa ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Activity Unit ◽  
Test Retest Reliability ◽  
Acceptable Internal Consistency

Abstract Background Validation of self-reported tools, such as physical activity (PA) questionnaires, is crucial. The aim of this study was to determine test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and the concurrent, construct, and predictive validity of the short semi-quantitative Physical Activity Unit 7 item Screener (PAU-7S), using accelerometry as the reference measurement. The effect of linear calibration on PAU-7S validity was tested. Methods A randomized sample of 321 healthy children aged 8–16 years (149 boys, 172 girls) from the nationwide representative PASOS study completed the PAU-7S before and after wearing an accelerometer for at least 7 consecutive days. Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. Cronbach alpha was calculated for internal consistency. Test-retest reliability was determined by intra-class correlation (ICC). Concurrent validity was assessed by ICC and Spearman correlation coefficient between moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) derived by the PAU-7S and by accelerometer. Concordance between both methods was analyzed by absolute agreement, weighted kappa, and Bland-Altman statistics. Multiple linear regression models were fitted for construct validity and predictive validity was determined by leave-one-out cross-validation. Results The PAU-7S overestimated MVPA by 18%, compared to accelerometers (106.5 ± 77.0 vs 95.2 ± 33.2 min/day, respectively). A Cronbach alpha of 0.76 showed an acceptable internal consistency of the PAU-7S. Test-retest reliability was good (ICC 0.71 p < 0.001). Spearman correlation and ICC coefficients of MVPA derived by the PAU-7S and accelerometers increased from 0.31 to 0.62 and 0.20 to 0.62, respectively, after calibration of the PAU-7S. Between-methods concordance improved from a weighted kappa of 0.24 to 0.50 after calibration. A slight reduction in ICC, from 0.62 to 0.60, yielded good predictive validity. Multiple linear regression models showed an inverse association of MVPA with standardized body mass index (β − 0.162; p < 0.077) and waist to height ratio (β − 0.010; p < 0.014). All validity dimensions were somewhat stronger in boys compared to girls. Conclusion The PAU-7S shows a good test-retest reliability and acceptable internal consistency. All dimensions of validity increased from poor/fair to moderate/good after calibration. The PAU-7S is a valid instrument for measuring MVPA in children and adolescents. Trial registration Trial registration numberISRCTN34251612.

scholarly journals Body composition outcomes of Healthy Fit and the role of acculturation among low-income Hispanics on the US-Mexico border

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane I. Lopez ◽  
Lauren Chacon ◽  
Denise Vasquez ◽  
Louis D. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Mexico Border

Abstract Background Hispanic immigrants continue to experience higher rates of overweight and obesity compared to their non-Hispanic counterparts. Acculturation may contribute to unhealthy weight gain among immigrant populations by shifting dietary patterns from high fruit and vegetable consumption to unhealthier high fat diets. Healthy Fit, a culturally tailored community health worker (CHW) intervention, aims to reduce obesity related outcomes by providing physical activity and nutrition education and resources in a low-income Hispanic population. This study aims to evaluate outcomes of Healthy Fit participants and examine changes in body composition in relation to level of acculturation at baseline and follow-up. Method In this longitudinal observational study, CHWs recruited 514 participants from community events and agencies serving low-income Hispanic populations in El Paso, Texas from 2015 to 2016. Following an in-person health screening, eligible participants received nutrition and physical activity education guided by fotonovelas, comic-like educational books. Telephone follow-ups made at 1, 3, and 6 months by CHWs encouraged follow-through on referrals. 288 participants completed the screening again during the 12-month follow-up. Results The sample was predominantly Hispanic (96%), female (82%), uninsured (79%), had a household income of less than $19,999 (70%), foreign-born (79%), preferred Spanish (86%) and few rated themselves as good or excellent for English proficiency (27%). Overall, Healthy Fit participants significantly improved (i.e., decreased) BFP by 0.71% (t = 2.47, p = 0.01) but not BMI (b = .01, t = − 0.14, p = .89). Contrary to expectations, acculturation was not associated with lower BMI (b = 0.09, p = 0.84) or BFP (b = 0.13, p = 0.85) at baseline. However, acculturation predicted changes in both BMI (b = 0.30, p = 0.03) and BFP (b = 1.33, p = 0 .01) from baseline to follow-up. Specifically, the low acculturation group improved in body composition measures over time and the high acculturation group did not improve in either measure. Conclusion Findings suggest Healthy Fit was most effective among less acculturated individuals. The influence of acculturation on the efficacy of nutrition and exercise interventions suggests that Hispanics should not be treated as a homogenous subgroup.

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