Development of an ESL curriculum to educate Chinese immigrants about physical activity.

Full Abstract

Regular physical activity reduces the risk of many chronic conditions. Multiple studies have shown that Asians in North America engage in less physical activity than the general population. One area for strategic development in the area of health education is the design and evaluation of English as a second language (ESL) curricula. The PRECEDE model and findings from focus groups were used to develop a physical activity ESL curriculum for Chinese immigrants. In general, focus group participants recognized that physical activity contributes to physical and mental wellbeing. However, the benefits of physical activity were most commonly described in terms of improved blood circulation, immune responses, digestion, and reflexes. The importance of peer pressure and the encouragement of friends in adhering to regular physical activity regimens were mentioned frequently. Reported barriers to regular physical activity included lack of time, weather conditions, and financial costs. The ESL curriculum aims to both promote physical activity and improve knowledge, and includes seven different ESL exercises. Our curriculum development methods could be replicated for other health education topics and in other limited English-speaking populations.

Learn Faster Today Improve your study skills

Author information

Author/s: Taylor, Victoria M (VM); Cripe, Swee May (SM); Acorda, Elizabeth (E); Teh, Chong (C); Coronado, Gloria (G); Do, Hoai (H); Woodall, Erica (E); Hislop, T Gregory (TG);

Affiliation: Cancer Prevention Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, M3-B232, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, USA. vtaylor@fhcrc.org

Grants: CA113663 (Agency:United States NCI) ; CA114640 (Agency:United States NCI) ; U48-DP-000050 (Agency:United States NCCDPHP)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Journal: Journal of immigrant and minority health / Center for Minority Public Health (J Immigr Minor Health), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Aug; vol 10 (issue 4) : pp 379-87

Dates: Created 2008/06/20; Completed 2008/08/22;

PMID: 17943444, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article (including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult
Aged
Asian Americans
China - ethnology
Emigrants and Immigrants
Exercise
Female

Female
Health Education - organization & administration
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Social Support

These are the highest related articles currently in the database:

See 100+ related articles.