In light of health disparities involving African Americans having disproportionately high rates of obesity, type II diabetes, cancer risk, heart disease and hypertension, the study was conducted with an all-Black adult sample (n= 470). Some 53.0% were female and the sample had a mean age of 32 years. The study evaluated the Knowledge of Physical Activity and Dietary Intake Guidelines Survey (KOPA-DIGS-40) as a new True-False knowledge test—with all True items. The study found moderately high levels of knowledge using the KOPA-DIGS-40.
Findings using paired t-tests found evidence that ratings for (1) knowledge of guidelines and (2) self-efficacy for adherence to guidelines were significantly higher after taking the test. The study found noteworthy predictors of a higher KOPA-DIGS-40 score to be older age, higher education, and higher Body Mass Index. The study focused on three time periods (1-before the COVID-19 pandemic, 2-during the pandemic, 3-currently) and ratings on four health dimensions (1-physical health, 2-mental/emotional health, 3-physical activity level, 4-eating a healthy diet).
Findings showed declines on the four dimensions during the pandemic, yet by Spring 2023 there were significant improvements—with a return by Spring 2023 to pre-pandemic levels. Findings suggested evidence of resilience after experiencing the stress of a global pandemic. Thus, a resilience theory and framework may be vital in guiding a future era of health disparities research with African Americans. Further, the study found an increase in social support during the pandemic, which continued into their current lives.
Future research should continue to utilize the innovation of the genre of research reflected in this study’s use of the new Knowledge of Physical Activity and Dietary Intake Guidelines Survey (KOPA-DIGS-40)—as a True-False test with all True items; this follows from evidence the KOPA-DIGS-40 served as a brief online e-health intervention associated with increases in (1) knowledge of the guidelines and (2) self-efficacy for adherence to physical activity and dietary intake guidelines. Given the high rates of obesity, type II diabetes, cancer risk, heart disease and hypertension for African Americans, the findings make an important contribution to the literature—while suggesting future directions in research and interventions.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:columbia.edu/oai:academiccommons.columbia.edu:10.7916/afgj-9a46 |
| Date | January 2023 |
| Creators | Radcliffe, Shamen |
| Source Sets | Columbia University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Theses |
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