Lessons Learned: Accelerometer and GPS data collection in rural communities

Oral Presentation C12.2

Authors

  • Amanda Gilbert Washington University in Saint Louis
  • Alan Beck Washington University in Saint Louis
  • Natalicio Serrano Washington University in Saint Louis
  • Dixie Duncan Washington University in Saint Louis
  • Fatemeh Naghiloo Washington University in Saint Louis
  • Ross Brownson Washington University in Saint Louis

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.720

Keywords:

Physical Activity, Rural, Objective Measurement, Process Evaluation

Abstract

Background: Rural residents have lower levels of physical activity (PA) and higher rates of cancer than non-rural residents. Promoting PA is important for cancer prevention but requires reliable and valid measurement of PA. However, little is known about effectively collecting objective PA data in rural communities. Purpose: We used data from a randomized controlled trial (Heartland Moves), which aims to increase PA in rural Missouri to explore factors associated with successful objective PA data collection and present lessons learned. Methods: Baseline survey and accelerometry data was collected through Heartland Moves (n=368) from August 2019-Februray 2021. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared, and logistic regression analyses were used to explore factors associated with valid wear of objective PA devices. Results: Overall, 77% had valid wear-time. We found associations with valid wear-time for marital status (x(5) = 16.23, p =0.01), living situation (x(2) = 8.13, p = 0.02), meeting self-reported PA guidelines (x(1) = 4.39 p = 0.04), and receiving SMS reminders (x(1) = 22.27, p <0.001). Of recruited participants, 33% were consented for device wear, 69% of whom obtained valid wear-time. On average, participants with invalid wear-time had devices for 36 days, 19 days longer than participants with valid wear-time. Conclusions: Results support three lessons learned (importance of communication, strategies for hard-to-reach groups, and importance of adapting during data collection) for PA data collection in rural communities. Funding: Study funded by the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute (grant number R01CA211323-01) and Centers for Disease Control Prevention Research Center (grant number 448DP006395). 

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Gilbert, A., Beck, A., Serrano, N., Duncan, D., Naghiloo, F., & Brownson, R. (2021). Lessons Learned: Accelerometer and GPS data collection in rural communities: Oral Presentation C12.2. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.720

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