Increasing Physical Activity in Filipino Lay Leaders From Catholic Clubs Within a Faith-based Council

Asian-Americans (A-As) are under-represented in chronic disease research, including lifestyle
interventions. A-As are 42% of population in Hawaii and across the U.S. they are projected to
more than double to 34.4 million by 2060, with a much higher proportion of older A-As
compared to other races. Within A-As, Filipino-Americans have high rates of hypertension,
diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, especially as they age. This is largely due to
unhealthy diets, high BMIs, sedentary behaviors, and low physical activity (PA). Our previous
work found Filipino seniors are under-active and spend > 8 hours a day in sedentary time
(ST). About 90% of Filipinos in Hawaii are Catholic and previous PA interventions involving
faith-based organizations have been shown to be culturally relevant for ethnic minorities and
can effectively increase PA. Our innovative application focuses on changing both PA and ST in
250 Filipino lay leaders who represent their parish within the Oahu Council of Filipino
Catholic Clubs (OCFCCs). OCFCCs maintain Filipinos' Catholic traditions and their cultural
heritage. This project builds on our previous research with Filipino leaders from these
clubs, and our expertise with effective PA and ST interventions. Team includes 3 nursing
faculty, 1 medical school faculty, a project director, and from 9-12 graduate /undergraduate
nursing students. The students will participate in a community-engaged 3-yr research project
relevant both to their future research efforts and their use of self-management strategies
with patients who at-risk for chronic diseases. The investigators will develop, implement,
and test the efficacy of a culturally tailored PA/ST intervention for under-active/sedentary
Filipino seniors (ages: 55-75 yrs) some of who may have multiple morbidities under medical
control. The investigators will initially strengthen our partnership with OCFCC by engaging
council members in semi-structured meetings where key cultural and familial issues that
hinder/facilitate PA/ST will be discussed, the project's name/logo will be created, and plans
to facilitate clubs' engagement across 3-year project will be solidified. Specific Aims: 1)
test the efficacy of a Light-to-Moderate PA-LMPA/ST intervention with ten OCFCC clubs (25 lay
leaders/club; n = 250 total) that will be randomly assigned to either a 12wk LMPA/ST
intervention consisting of 3 group discussions during club meetings plus 12 counseling calls,
or to Delayed Treatment condition initially given health education materials and 12
contact-matched calls on topics unrelated to PA/ST; then, the LMPA/ST intervention. 2) test
maintenance of LMPA/ST 12 wks after LMPA/ST intervention ends. 3) analyze LMPA/ST self-report
& accelerometer data collected at baseline, 12, 24, and 36 wks, and test demographic,
psychosocial, environmental, and group factors as mediators/moderators of change in LMPA/ST.
4) discuss project findings with statewide Diocesan Congress of Filipino Catholic Clubs and
the feasibility of using lay leaders to change the LMPA/ST of their parishioners from
churches across Hawaii via a train-the-trainer lay leader model. This project will stimulate
community engaged/team science research at our School of Nursing and enhance students'
research skills.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Member in one of 10 Filipino Catholic Clubs (within the Oahu Council of Filipino
Catholic Clubs) on the island of Oahu in the state of Hawaii

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Age: less than 55 years OR older than 75 years of age

2. Planning to move (off the island of Oahu) in the next 9 months

3. Body Mass Index: If BMI is < 18.5 or > 40 (we will be measuring their height and
weight to determine BMI at enrollment)

4. Currently exercising: Regularly (weekly) active at a moderate intensity* or higher >60
minutes a week (* = brisk walk)

5. Currently in Treatment: Actively having cancer treatment or in physical therapy
following surgery/stroke

6. A recent (in last 6 months) diagnosis of: Cancer, Heart disease, had a heart attack,
Lung disease, Chronic Kidney Disease, Stroke, or underwent surgery

7. You recommend that your patient have only supervised physical activity (i.e., in a
health care / physical therapy setting)

8. Needs a cane or walker (or other assistive device) to walk especially outdoors on
uneven surfaces

Need health care provider's approval/clearance before enrollment if potential participant
has the following:

1. Asthma or other respiratory disease made worse by exercise

2. A heart valve problem or is taking medications for a heart condition

3. Severe osteoarthritis

4. Insulin dependent Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes (or often has a blood glucose > 235 mg/dl
or 13mmol/L) (need MD clearance if do not know blood glucose)

5. Diagnosis/Treatment for Cancer over last 12 months or had a Stroke in the past (> 6
months ago)

6. Resting blood pressure ≥ 160/90 (with or without medications) (need MD clearance if do
not know BP)

7. Has chest pain when exercising or recently (last 4 weeks) developed any chest pain
(i.e., when not doing physical activity)

8. Has tendency to lose consciousness or collapse from dizziness

9. Has a bone or joint problem that could be aggravated by physical activity