Effects of a lifestyle programme on objectively measured physical activity level and sedentary time on overweight and obese women of Somali background living in Norway Running

Abstract

Abstract Background Given the elevated prevalence and impact of overweight and the potential risk of non-communicable diseases among women of Somali background in high-income countries and recognising the potential positive impact of physical activity (PA) on these health conditions, it becomes imperative to focus on understanding the PA behaviour of this specific population. The objectives of this paper were twofold: firstly, to provide a comprehensive description of both objectively and subjectively measured PA level and sedentary time in a group of overweight women of Somali background in Norway, and secondly, to assess the effectiveness of a tailored, culturally sensitive, and community-based intervention in enhancing PA levels and reducing sedentary time. Methods 169 overweight women of Somali background in Norway were randomised by borough to either a lifestyle programme or a comparison group. The programme consisted of two sessions per week for 12 weeks, combining classroom discussion with graded group-based PA activity led by coaches, followed by monthly sessions over nine months. PA was measured objectively using the ActivPAL monitor and subjectively using the international PA questionnaire short form (IPAQ). Results The women took on average 6804 (SD = 3286) steps per day and were sedentary for 9.1 hours (SD = 3) per day at baseline. There were no differences between groups on any objectively measured PA variable at any timepoint. There were significant differences on vigorous intensity PA and total PA at the 12-month measurement session between the two groups using the IPAQ. Conclusion Despite observing initially low PA levels and high sedentary time at baseline and thus a considerable potential for intervention, the intervention failed in attaining an increase in objectively measured PA or reduction in sedentary time compared to the control condition. However, self-reported measures indicated success in these aspects. The potential threats to the programme's reliability and validity include contamination, low attendance rates, and high drop-out rates possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges underscore the complexity of interventions in this demographic, emphasising the need for further exploration and refinement of study methodologies to effectively enhance PA levels and reduce sedentary time in immigrant women living in high-income countries. Trial registration : clinicaltrials.gov NCT04578067. Keywords: Immigrant Somali women, Lifestyle programme, Overweight, Physical activity, Sedentary time, ActivPAL