An evaluation of choose to move 1999 - An American Heart Association physical activity program for women

Background: Rates of physical inactivity and poor nutrition, which are 2 of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease in w omen, are substantial. Even so, studies of interventions designed to improv e lifestyle behaviors in women have been limited and often confined to part icular geographical areas. Objective: To evaluate the effect of Choose to Move on increasing women's p hysical activity, improving their knowledge of heart disease and stroke, an d improving their nutrition. Participants and Methods: A prospective, nonrandomized, 12-week educational intervention designed by the American Heart Association for women across t he United States. Participants received a welcome kit and manual with weekl y information about how to manage cardiovascular disease risk factors and h ow to build a support system for lifestyle change. Women (N = 23171) aged 2 5 years or older were recruited by direct mail, the media, health care prov iders, and other means. Follow-up evaluations were returned from 6389 women at 2 weeks, 5338 at 4 weeks, 4209 at 8 weeks, 3916 at 10 weeks, and 3775 a t 12 weeks. Participants self-reported their physical activity, diet, and k nowledge about heart disease, stroke, and related symptoms. Results: Ninety percent of the participants were white and 56% were aged be tween 35 and 54 years. Among the participants who completed the week 12 fol low-up evaluation, the percentage who reported being active (at least moder ate exercise greater than or equal to5 times per week or > 21/2 hours per w eek for the past 1 to 6 months) increased from 32% at baseline to 67% at th e program's end (P=.001). Participants currently limiting excess calories o r fat increased from 72% to 91% at week 10 follow-up evaluation (P=.001). T he proportion correctly identifying heart disease as the leading cause of d eath increased from 84% to 91% at week 10 follow-up evaluation (P < .001). Conclusions: Women who completed the Choose to Move program evaluation repo rted that they significantly increased their levels of physical activity, r educed their consumption of high-fat foods, and increased their knowledge a nd awareness of cardiovascular disease risk and its symptoms. This program provides an important model for public health, voluntary, and other health organizations of population-based, targeted low-cost self-help programs tha t support the Healthy People 2010 objectives for physical activity, nutriti on, and cardiovascular health.