Familias Sanas y Activas 2

Familias Sanas y Activas 2 (FSA) is a physical activity and health promotion intervention designed to improve the health and well-being of South San Diego County's Latino population by increasing physical activity and reducing obesity.

The study's first phase, FSA 1, was launched in 2006. This community based participatory research intervention utilized a Train-the-Trainers (TOT) model. SDPRC staff recruited and trained volunteer physical activity trainers from a large-scale health clinic, a multi-service social agency, a public housing complex, and a department of recreation (San Ysidro Health Center, Casa Familiar, Villa Nueva Apartments, and the Chula Vista Department of Recreation). These trainers received a 12-session training on leading physical activity groups, becoming a promotor, advocacy, adult education, and program evaluation among other topics. The trainers recruited and trained 6 volunteer promotores, who began instructing free-of-charge physical activity classes in South San Diego County. Many participants of these physical activity classes were enrolled in FSA's research study. More than 350 community residents were recruited and enrolled in this study and were evaluated at baseline, 6 months and 12 months post baseline. Results from this study showed participation in the physical activity groups improved systolic blood pressure, reduced waist circumference, and improved fitness and flexibility. Participants also reported a reduction of symptoms of depression, fewer perceived barriers to being physically active and greater community support for physical activity1. For more information about the paper where these results are published please see (link to publication page).

FSA 2 began in 2009. The research project's aim remains the same to increase physical activity, fitness, and other health status indicators related to obesity. The study's design changed to incorporate lessons learned from FSA 1. While continuing to use a volunteer promotor-model, the SDPRC hired Site Coordinators at collaborating community agencies as a strategy to improve program sustainability. FSA 2 community partner agencies include: Casa Familiar/Villa Nueva Apartments Social Services Agency, the Chula Vista Community Collaborative, and San Ysidro Health Center. The Site Coordinator at each agency supports 8 volunteer promotores.

Also new to the research design, promotores are trained to instruct a group of 10 to 20 adults in 10 healthy lifestyle classes on topics including: exercise, healthy eating, sleep, weight control, emotional health, family communication and relationships, self-esteem, depression, community advocacy, and disaster preparedness. The promotores teach these interactive sessions at the outset of initiating their physical activity classes in order to create a more comprehensive program and to provide a social support mechanism to promote study participants continued participation in physical activity and FSA for one year. The promotores attend 11 3-hour theory based training sessions and 3 exercise trainings. Promotores are also provided funds to obtain Red Cross CPR and First Aid certification, Zumba and/or Peruvian Full Body Aerobics certification, and other additional capacity building trainings of their choice.

FSA 2 is in the process of recruiting 450 community residents to participate in the research study. Participants will be evaluated again at baseline, and 6 and 12 months post baseline. The study evaluation will include the following: height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, flexibility, aerobic fitness, and strength and a variety of other self-reported health indicators. Currently, the program offers close to 30 exercise classes in the community. Exercise classes are open to adolescents, adults and seniors in a variety of locations throughout South San Diego County including schools, recreation centers, community centers, apartment complexes and social service agencies. Exercise classes are available 6 days a week providing no cost opportunities for physical activity. Community residents do not need to be enrolled in the study to join the classes. Visit our Community Page (link) for more information on our promotores and the classes we offer in the community.

last updated: 10/6/2011