PARC Conference, Toronto Promoting Physical Activity in Multicultural Communities Abebe Engdasaw Multicultural Health Coalition Ottawa Public Health

Multicultural Health Coalition WHO we are and WHAT we do…

Multicultural Health Coalition The Multicultural Health Coalition of Ottawa is a voluntary organization established in January 1998 in response to needs expressed by ethnocultural communities.

Multicultural Health Coalition Our Mission  To promote health in multicultural communities through participation in partnerships, leadership, mutual support and advocacy.

Multicultural Health Coalition Our Objectives  To advocate for equity and access to health and social services programs.  To support and assist community members to promote healthy living.  To increase partnerships with agencies/organizations that promote health.  To provide information that enhances optimal health.  To explore funding opportunities for projects that meet community needs.  To act as a resource for Ottawa Public Health.

Multicultural Health Coalition BROCHUREBROCHURE

Principles and Key Elements in Coalition Building

Multicultural Health Coalition  VISION > Common purpose and shared broad perspective > Consultations and strategic plan Principles and Key Elements in Coalition Building (cont’d)

Multicultural Health Coalition  TRUST Shared responsibilities: > for failure > for success Principles and Key Elements in Coalition Building (cont’d)

Multicultural Health Coalition  PARTICIPATION Recognizing success as groups collective participation and efforts. > Attending meetings > Organizing community events > Promoting activities > Acquisition/Shared resources: Seed money: child care, transport, space, rental, promotional materials Principles and Key Elements in Coalition Building (cont’d)

Multicultural Health Coalition  LEARNING and SKILL BUILDING Topics of interest on each and every monthly meeting agenda > Summer and Winter Active > Seniors agenda > Emergency preparedness – Pandemic > Project proposal writing > Policing and race relations > Advocacy and political activism, etc. Principles and Key Elements in Coalition Building (cont’d)

Multicultural Health Coalition  COMMUNITY SUPPORT Membership consists of service providing agencies: > Community Health Resource Centres > Settlement agencies > Ethnic – Cultural Associations  Shared resources  Supportive environment Principles and Key Elements in Coalition Building (cont’d)

Multicultural Health Coalition What We Do:  Provide training and skill-building workshops for healthy lifestyles.  Promote and support physical activity and healthy eating activities.  Provide and disseminate multilingual health promotion resources.

Multicultural Health Coalition What We Do (cont’d)  Support community events that involve community partners in promoting healthy lifestyles.  Publish a quarterly Multicultural Health Coalition newsletter.  Advocate for an accessible equitable and inclusive Ottawa.

Multicultural Health Coalition MHC T-shirt (Front) (Back)

Multicultural Health Coalition Walk More Live Better – T-shirt

Multicultural Health Coalition MHC Waterbottle

Multicultural Health Coalition Multilingual Cancer Display

Multicultural Health Coalition Multilingual Type 2 Diabetes Display

Multicultural Health Coalition Multilingual Healthy Lifestyles Display

Multicultural Health Coalition Multilingual Stretch Exercise Factsheet

Multicultural Health Coalition Monthly Newsletter

Multicultural Health Coalition “Be Active” – multilingual physical activity promotional video – 10 languages

Multicultural Health Coalition Physical Activity Guide Multicultural Health Coalition

Canada’s Food Guide Multicultural Health Coalition

Tulipfest 2003

Multicultural Health Coalition Tulipfest 2003

Multicultural Health Coalition Evaluation 2002 Objectives:  Assess program output of 16 Multicultural Health Coalition member organizations receiving funding to promote physical activity  Conduct program outcome at one centre

Multicultural Health Coalition Methodology Process:  Review of program documents  Literature review of physical exercise and cultural minority groups  Focus group study with activity coordinators  Administration of questionnaire  Meeting with participants of one group and administration of questionnaire

Multicultural Health Coalition Evaluation Questionnaire  What is the nature of the physical activity (PA)? > Program document review > Focus group > Output questionnaire  What is the intensity of the various components? > Focus group > Output questionnaire  Who are reached by the program? > Focus group > Output questionnaire > Interviews with participants

Multicultural Health Coalition  Do participants intend to make physical activity part of their routine? > Program document review > Focus group > Output questionnaire  Have participants taken concrete steps to get/stay active? > Interviews with participants > Outcome questionnaire  What is the perception change of participants? > Interviews with participants > Outcome questionnaire Evaluation Questionnaire (cont’d)

Multicultural Health Coalition RESULTS: Summary  A total of 36 different exercise classes/activities undertaken at the average frequency of 1-2 classes per week  Average of once per month health promotion events/activities  80% served intended population 20% partially: > Recent immigrants > Multiple language groups > Predominantly women and low income

Multicultural Health Coalition RESULTS: Summary (cont’d)  Participants and activity coordinators reported > Increased participation > Positive attitude  Participants satisfied with the physical activity promotion program they have received > 25% very satisfied > 75% most satisfied

Multicultural Health Coalition RESULTS: Summary (cont’d)  Participants reported to make physical activity part of their life > However few have taken steps to make it happen > Most rely on the program they attend > Not having someone to exercise with mentioned not too engaged in physical exercise > 63% said the program fostered social interaction

Multicultural Health Coalition Recommendations  Increased partnerships with other organizations and agencies (City, YMCA)  Policy changes to create positive environment to ease access and eliminate barriers e.g. group subsidy rate for space, childcare, etc.  Volunteer training and community capacity building to be encouraged  The modest financial support have shown success and expansion of the program need to be supported

Multicultural Health Coalition Where to Find Multilingual Resources  OPHA – Website – follow links  Resources by topics – Multilingual health promotion resources > Stretching Exercises for Walking – 10 languages > Physical Activity Guide – 10 languages > Walking is Great for Your Heart – 10 languages > Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating – 10 languages > Safety Tips for Fruits and Vegetables – 10 languages > Frozen and Canned Vegetables – 10 languages

Multicultural Health Coalition  PARC – Physical Activity Resource Centre > “Be Active” – multilingual physical activity promotional video – 10 languages Where to Find Multilingual Resources (cont’d)