Hsap Research Papers

Physical activities conducted in church-based settings are dominant practices among African American women. Young & Stewart (2006) stated, “Churches are attractive settings in which to conduct health-promotion interventions targeting African Americans since they represent a major social link to the community.” There have been physical activity programs implemented in churches that were a convenient and inexpensive way to engage African American women in controlling their chronic diseases. More important, it is a place for many African American women to obtain social support, which is an essential predictor of physical activity for African American women. “Churches are central to the lives of many AA women,” (Peterson, 2011). Churches are a setting for this population to effectively integrate health promotion and research successfully (Young & Stewart, 2006).

Peterson (2011) conducted a study to determine the perceptions of African American women regarding an active lifestyle, and to evaluate the HSAP as a potential strategy to promote physical activity. The HSPAP is a church-based physical activity intervention established to encourage confidence, gain social support, and provide a sense of belonging among African American women managing their chronic illnesses (Peterson, 2011). The researcher found that participants in the program believed that physical activity improve health and prevents chronic diseases. The researcher believed that the support from health professionals, peers, family and church members had an impact on whether the participants increase their amount of physical activity. By the program having the spiritual component the participants believed that spiritual messages and prayer would strengthen their commitment to continue an active