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01-06-2019 | Original Paper

Church-Based Social Support’s Impact on African-Americans’ Physical Activity and Diet Varies by Support Type and Source

Authors: Karly Geller, Brook Harmon, Natasha Burse, Shaila Strayhorn

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 3/2019

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine sources (friends, family, church members, and pastors) and type (positive or negative) of social support and their association with eating and physical activity behaviors. Study participants consisted of 41 African-American adults (78% female), with an average age of 43.5 years (standard deviation = 15.7). Participants were recruited from churches in southwest, Ohio. Mean comparisons showed family members, and friends had the highest positive and negative social support scores for healthy eating and physical activity. Pastors and church members received the lowest social support scores related to these behaviors. Using a linear regression analysis, social support in the form of physical activity rewards from family members was positively associated with fruit and vegetable consumption after adjusting for gender, age, education level, and church location. Based on these findings, future research should continue examining how different social support sources and types influence physical activity and healthy eating behaviors among African-Americans.

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Title: Church-Based Social Support’s Impact on African-Americans’ Physical Activity and Diet Varies by Support Type and Source
Authors: Karly Geller
Brook Harmon
Natasha Burse
Shaila Strayhorn
Publication date: 01-06-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 3/2019
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-018-0576-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Church-Based Social Support’s Impact on African-Americans’ Physical Activity and Diet Varies by Support Type and Source

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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