Evaluating the effectiveness of self-help programs to increase levels of physical activity among sedentary women

Heart disease is the leading cause of death of women in the United States, and mortality rates for women are actually increasing. Few women perceive heart disease as the greatest threat to their health, and women are counseled less often than men about physical activity, nutrition, and weight reduction. Women are more knowledgeable than men about the benefits of physical activity, but only about 20 percent achieve recommended levels. The Choose To Move (CTM) and JumpStart physical activity programs are two self-help interventions targeting sedentary women based on their readiness to participate in self-help activity programs. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the long-term (one-year) effectiveness of these programs based on an experimental design with participants randomized into treatment or control groups. Qualitative and quantitative methods will be used to measure program outcomes, including an evaluation of environmental factors that may mediate program effectiveness. The project deliverable is a rigorous evaluation of CTM and JumpStart that will increase our understanding of individual, psychosocial, and environmental determinants of effective interventions. The project will be considered successful if it leads to more widespread dissemination of effective physical activity interventions for women.

Grant Details

Amount Awarded $749,373.00

Awarded on: 2/14/2002

Time frame: 2/15/2002 - 5/14/2005

Grant Number: 44224