Abstract
Objective
To develop a conceptualization of cultural influence on perceptions of a rural food
and physical activity policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change project to inform
public health research and practice.
Design
Basic qualitative research design, semistructured phone interviews with community
health coalition members.
Setting
Five rural Southern counties (obesity prevalence > 40%).
Participants
Thirty-nine community coalition members.
Intervention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention High Obesity Program. PSE initiatives to increase access to healthy food and physical activity opportunities
through a community coalition model.
Phenomenon of Interest
Social norms and cultural influences surrounding community members’ food preferences,
physical activity behavior, and future hopes for community development.
Analysis
Abductive content analysis.
Results
Major categories on food social norms (subcategories: physical health, eating habits,
and food preference), race relations, generational factors, physical activity social
norms, and hopes for the community (subcategories: increased engagement, health, awareness,
cohesion, and inspiration) were discussed in relation to the progress of PSE initiatives.
Conclusions and Implications
Because of community member perceptions, PSE initiatives became associated with factors
beyond food and fitness, such as race relations, generational differences, and community
cohesion. A focus on increased youth and church involvement, community values, relationship
building, and input from diverse voices can be foundational to culturally-appropriate
PSE efforts in rural settings.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 18, 2023
Accepted:
October 27,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofFootnotes
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The authors have not stated any conflicts of interest.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
