Engaging urban Pacific women in healthy lifestyle behaviour. An outcome evaluation of a workplace-based physical activity intervention in Vanuatu
Date
2014
Authors
Siefken, K.
Schofield, G.
Malcata, R.
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Journal article
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Journal of Sport for Development, 2014; 2(3):1-12
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Abstract
Background: The epidemic of chronic diseases is threatening the health and wealth of the South Pacific region. This study is a response to the need for evidence-based solutions in increasing physical activity and healthy eating in the region. The first Pacific physical activity intervention that has been evaluated is presented.
Methods: A team-based 10,000 steps challenge was monitored over a 12-week period targeting female civil servants (N=207) in Port Vila, Vanuatu. A sub-group analysis was conducted, examining low- and high risk individuals. Clinical inferences were based on the span of 90% confidence intervals in relation to thresholds for small, moderate and large effects of as 0.2, 0.6, and 1.2 of the standard deviation of the pooled sample.
Results: A mean step increase from baseline to follow-up of 2,510 ± 6,922 steps was observed (+26.1%). A change in waist circumference (cm) showed likely beneficial small effects (-3.9 ± 10.3). High risk individuals benefitted most from the intervention: beneficial effects were found for PA behaviour (steps; large, +229%), waist circumference (cm; moderate, -6.2%) serum glucose (mmol/l; small, -15.9%) and triglycerides (mg/dl; moderate, -31.%).
Conclusion: The programme was successful in increasing PA levels and in reducing NCD risk factors in high risk individuals.
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Copyright 2014 the authors