Abstract 16294: A Theory Based Pedometer App Intervention to Promote Physical Activity Among African American Women: The ChangeMySteps Project

Background: Improving physical activity (PA) levels among all Americans is a national priority. National surveys indicate that African American (AA) women have low levels of PA. Smartphone applications (apps) that promote PA offer an innovation solution. Little is known about their feasibility and acceptability among AA women. Methods: A 2-phase mixed methods study design was used. First, in-depth interviews about barriers and facilitators of PA were conducted in AA women recruited from the hair salon setting. Second, themes from interviews were incorporated into the design of a theory-based smartphone pedometer app (Moves App) intervention. The intervention, The ChangeMySteps Project, was piloted in the target population (n=24) in a 1 month, single arm pre and post study design. We measured participant demographics, feasibility (retention rate) and acceptability (ability to incorporate into everyday life, impact on participant hair maintenance and participant satisfaction). In addition, as a secondary outcome we measured daily step count. Results: Themes from interviews (n=32; median age= 34) revealed that lack of time (competing responsibilities) and hair maintenance (negative effect of moisture on hair) were the most commonly cite barriers. Social support (exercise partners and online social network support) were the most commonly cited facilitators. The Smartphone Pedometer App intervention successfully engaged 6 teams (n=24; median age = 36). Retention rates were high (83%).The majority of participants (83%) reported that they were “able” or “very able” to incorporate the intervention into everyday life. The majority (90%) denied any negative effect on hair maintenance. Participant satisfaction rates were high including (100%) likelihood to recommend. Additionally, participants demonstrated an increase in mean daily step count from 5661 (SD 3652) steps /day at baseline to 8071 (SD 3804) steps/day step per day at 1 month (p = 0.03). Conclusion: The ChangeMySteps Project successfully engaged community dwelling AA women to participate in a theory based smartphone pedometer app intervention tailored to the needs of AA women. Findings suggest the intervention was feasible and well accepted among AA women.