Culturally specific dance to reduce obesity in African American women

Health Promot Pract. 2010 Jul;11(4):465-73. doi: 10.1177/1524839908323520. Epub 2008 Dec 19.

Abstract

This article provides evidence of a culturally specific dance intervention to decrease obesity as measured by body fat and body mass index (BMI) in African American women. A community partnership was formed with two African American churches to develop an intervention to address the issue of obesity. The culturally specific dance intervention was delivered two times per week for 8 weeks, choreographed to gospel music selected by the experimental group participants, and taught by an African American woman. Body fat and BMI were assessed at three time points and revealed significant differences between the two groups. Attending a minimum of 7 classes was enough to show an observed dose effect and the intervention was found to be culturally specific by understanding their roles as African American women. This community partnership was an effective way to promote a church-based, culturally specific dance intervention to improve the health of African American women.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adiposity
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Black or African American*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Community Networks*
  • Cultural Competency*
  • Dance Therapy / methods*
  • Exercise Therapy / mortality*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / ethnology*
  • Obesity / prevention & control*
  • Protestantism