TEMPLATE DESIGN © Physical activity program development for low income populations: results from “The Perfect Fit” needs assessment and initial program implementation Jennifer Sloan 1, Margaret Lott 1, Amanda Downey 2, Mary I. Herbert 1, Molly B. Conroy 1 1 University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; 2 Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA Results: The Perfect Fit Acknowledgements This program was supported by the Allegheny County Medical Society Foundation, the Program for Health Care to Underserved Populations, the Salvation Army and the Brashear Center. Objectives Program Implementation: The Perfect Fit Summary and Conclusion Introduction Low income populations are at increased risk for sedentary behavior and diseases associated with low levels of physical activity (PA), including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Understanding barriers to physical activity is important to design physical activity programming for this population. 71% said they would be interested in taking physical activity classes offered by the clinic The purpose of the needs assessment and physical activity program were to: Understand the barriers that the low-income, uninsured patients of the Birmingham Free Clinic face to performing physical activity. Use this understanding to create opportunities for physical activity that meet the needs and interests of this population. Methods: Needs Assessment A needs assessment survey was distributed to a random sample of clinic patients between 12/2011 and 2/2012. The survey included current PA behavior, barriers to PA, and desired PA programs. Our needs assessment demonstrated enthusiasm for free PA programming delivered by a free clinic for uninsured patients. We continue to work on ways to address barriers to PA in this population and increase participation in the program. Results: Needs Assessment (N = 101) Current Physical Activity Level Percent of Sample No Physical Activity22% 1-2 days/week47% More than 3 days/week31% Common Barriers to Physical Activity Percent of Sample Lack of time32% Expense of gyms23% Not enjoying PA17% Lack of transportation16% Desired Physical Activity Programs Percent of Sample Walking51% Yoga25% Aerobics22% Kickboxing21% Dance18% Weekly walking group Meets Saturdays, rain or shine at clinic 30 – 40 minute walk around South Side Led by clinic staff and volunteers Bi-Monthly Yoga Class Meets 2 nd and 4 th Thursdays of the month at the Brashear Center, South Side 60 minute beginner yoga class Led by volunteer yoga instructors from School House Yoga Methods: Program Evaluation Pre-survey: Given to participants before their first class to understand their physical activity experience and goals in participating. Post-survey: Given to participants after their first class to get feedback on their satisfaction with the class. Check-in survey: Given to participants after attending 5 classes to get feedback on their satisfaction with the classes and its impact on their physical, mental and emotional well-being. 114 patients have inquired about or expressed interest in the program 54 have completed physician clearance 15 have attended at least one session 7 have attended multiple sessions Results: Pre-Class Survey (N = 13) Personal Goals for Participation Percent of Sample Increase activity70% Feel better physically70% Have fun62% Increase energy62% Lose weight62% Perceived Current Health Status Percent of Sample Very good8% (1 patient) Good69% Fair23% Results: Post-Class Survey (N = 7) Only 7 patients completed the initial post-class survey, but all rated the class highly (4 or 5 on a scale of 1-5) and reported increased motivation to continue PA outside of class Discussion What They Enjoyed about the Class Percent of Sample Have more energy71% Feel healthier57% Enjoy classmates57% Feel stronger57% Feel more confident43% It is possible that the disparity between interest and participation stems from difficult life circumstances which prevent patients from prioritizing exercise. However, many participants felt the program had a positive impact on their life. One participant wrote, “I feel relaxed and invigorated. I feel grateful, thank you!” Another participant said that the walking group really helped him work through his depression and turn his life around.