Many effective interventions or programs are never put into practice. This quasi-experimental study will partner with AME churches in two areas of South Carolina to study how an evidence-based program is put into place by the church. The program, Walk Your Heart to Health, will include training in how churches can modify their practices to support physical activity and healthy eating. Over the five-year study, the investgiators will examine factors that predict the success of putting the program into place, things that help and get in the way of putting the program into place, and how the program can be scaled up to reach even more churches. The investigators will also examine the effect of the program (pre- to post-changes) on walking group member outcomes (physical activity and social cohesion). The investigators expect to work with approximately 26 AME churches for this study.
Member of participating church (Charleston or Columbia Districts of the 7th Episcopal District of the AME church) or is in larger neighborhood and able to attend
Aged 50 years and older
Agrees to participate in in-person walking group sessions
Not planning to move in the next year from a location that would make study visits difficult
No contraindications to exercise, as determined by the PAR-Q
University of South Carolina
Lead sponsor
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Collaborator