Border Coalition for Fitness: Community-driven walking programs to prevent obesity-related cancer in El Paso, Texas
Introduction
Obesity-related cancers disproportionately affect the Texas border region. Regular physical activity is evidenced to prevent certain obesity-related cancers. The Border Coalition for Fitness (BCF) was established to engage community stakeholders in addressing barriers to physical activity in El Paso County. BCF established three free yearly walking challenges in El Paso County.
Methods
BCF member represented city, county, state and private organizations, met regularly to identify barriers and potential solutions for physical inactivity in El Paso. Walking challenges were identified as a low cost option to increase physical activity. Three walking challenges were implemented each year during the funded period. Participants were invited to take part in a program evaluation study upon walking challenge registration. Approximately 300 participants completed baseline, 2-week post challenge follow-up, and 6-month post challenge follow-up. Feasibility and efficacy were assessed by number of participants each challenge and increased/sustained steps after challenge completion.
Results
More than 5,000 El Pasoans participated in at least one challenge. Challenge participants were primarily employed for the city or a school district. The most participated in challenge was the Walk the Walk Team Challenge (WTW). WTW was a team-based challenge that provided prizes donated by local businesses. Our evaluation study findings revealed that participants that walked less than the 7,000 minimum steps increased and sustained their average steps by about 20%. Regular challenge participation was associated with higher average baseline steps.
Conclusion
Border Coalition for Fitness and walking challenges are feasible community driven approaches to improving physical activity engagement in El Paso County. This evidence provides promise for dissemination and scalability to other similar border contexts.