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Obesity interventions in A frican A merican faith‐based organizations: a systematic review
Author(s) -
Lancaster K. J.,
CarterEdwards L.,
Grilo S.,
Shen C.,
Schoenthaler A. M.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
obesity reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.845
H-Index - 162
eISSN - 1467-789X
pISSN - 1467-7881
DOI - 10.1111/obr.12207
Subject(s) - psychological intervention , weight loss , medicine , obesity , faith , faith based organizations , randomized controlled trial , systematic review , gerontology , population , medline , environmental health , political science , nursing , theology , philosophy , law
Summary A frican A mericans, especially women, have higher obesity rates than the general US population. Because of the importance of faith to many A frican A mericans, faith‐based organizations ( FBOs ) may be effective venues for delivering health messages and promoting adoption of healthy behaviours. This article systematically reviews interventions targeting weight and related behaviours in faith settings. We searched literature published through J uly 2012 for interventions in FBOs targeting weight loss, diet and/or physical activity ( PA ) in A frican A mericans. Of 27 relevant articles identified, 12 were randomized controlled trials; seven of these reported a statistically significant change in an outcome. Four of the five quasi‐experimental and single‐group design studies reported a statistically significant outcome. All 10 pilot studies reported improvement in at least one outcome, but most did not have a comparison group. Overall, 70% of interventions reported success in reducing weight, 60% reported increased fruit and vegetable intake and 38% reported increased PA . These results suggest that interventions in A frican A merican FBOs can successfully improve weight and related behaviours. However, not all of the findings about the success of certain approaches were as expected. This review identifies gaps in knowledge and recommends more rigorous studies be conducted to strengthen the comparative methodology and evidence.