Holly Felix1, Xiaocong Li2, Brett Rowland3, Christopher R Long4, Karen H K Yeary5, Pearl A McElfish6. 1. Associate Professor, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR. 2. Research Assistant, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR. 3. Research Associate, Office of Community Health and Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Fayetteville, AR. 4. Assistant Professor, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Fayetteville, AR. 5. Associate Professor, Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR. 6. Assistant Professor, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Fayetteville, AR;, Email: pamcelfish@uams.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We sought to improve understanding of diabetes-related health beliefs and physical activity behaviors of Marshallese adults with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: We used tests of comparison and regression analyses to examine data from 376 Marshallese adults collected at church-based events. RESULTS: One in 5 (20.2%) respondents had received a T2D diagnosis. About one-fourth of the respondents fell into one of 4 physical activity levels: zero times per week (28.7%), one time per week (19.4%), 2-3 times per week (24.7%) and ≥4 times per week (26.9%). Using logistic regression, we found T2D diagnosis status was not statistically associated with level of physical activity. However, having time to be physically active was significantly associated with being physically active ≥4 times per week. Being obese, having less than a high school education, not having time, and not having a comfortable place to exercise were significantly associated with never being physically active. CONCLUSIONS: These findings help fill gaps in Pacific Islander health literature and will inform public health interventions to improve rates of physical activity among the Marshallese and other Pacific Islander communities.
OBJECTIVE: We sought to improve understanding of diabetes-related health beliefs and physical activity behaviors of Marshallese adults with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: We used tests of comparison and regression analyses to examine data from 376 Marshallese adults collected at church-based events. RESULTS: One in 5 (20.2%) respondents had received a T2D diagnosis. About one-fourth of the respondents fell into one of 4 physical activity levels: zero times per week (28.7%), one time per week (19.4%), 2-3 times per week (24.7%) and ≥4 times per week (26.9%). Using logistic regression, we found T2D diagnosis status was not statistically associated with level of physical activity. However, having time to be physically active was significantly associated with being physically active ≥4 times per week. Being obese, having less than a high school education, not having time, and not having a comfortable place to exercise were significantly associated with never being physically active. CONCLUSIONS: These findings help fill gaps in Pacific Islander health literature and will inform public health interventions to improve rates of physical activity among the Marshallese and other Pacific Islander communities.
Authors: Holly Felix; Marie-Rachelle Narcisse; Brett Rowland; Christopher R Long; Zoran Bursac; Pearl A McElfish Journal: Hawaii J Med Public Health Date: 2019-02
Authors: Jennifer A Andersen; Holly Felix; James Selig; Brett Rowland; Wana Bing; Jonell Hudson; Jack Niedenthal; Henry Otuafi; Sheldon Riklon; Edlen Azures; Ainrik George; Pearl A McElfish Journal: Contemp Clin Trials Commun Date: 2021-07-30
Authors: Holly Felix; Brett Rowland; Christopher R Long; Marie-Rachelle Narcisse; Michelle Piel; Peter A Goulden; Pearl A McElfish Journal: J Immigr Minor Health Date: 2018-12
Authors: Pearl A McElfish; Rachel S Purvis; Monica K Esquivel; Ka'imi A Sinclair; Claire Townsend; Nicola L Hawley; Lauren K Haggard-Duff; Joseph Keawe'aimoku Kaholokula Journal: Curr Diab Rep Date: 2019-03-18 Impact factor: 4.810
Authors: Pearl A McElfish; Brett Rowland; Aaron J Scott; Janine Boyers; Christopher R Long; Holly C Felix; Joseph Keawe'aimoku Kaholokula; Ka'imi Sinclair; Zoran Bursac; Sheldon Riklon Journal: J Immigr Minor Health Date: 2021-04-10