MedPath

A Mosque-Based Intervention to Promote Physical Activity in South Asian Muslim Women

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Physical Activity
Interventions
Other: Exercise
Registration Number
NCT02124967
Lead Sponsor
Women's College Hospital
Brief Summary

South Asian (SA) women living in Ontario have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease (CHD) compared to the general population. Various explanations for these differences have been established, one of which is based on low levels of physical activity in people of SA origin, particularly in Muslim women.

This pilot trial will test the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of a Mosque-based exercise and educational intervention designed for SA Muslim women.

1. What is the feasibility of a mosque-based intervention to promote physical activity that is culturally and gender sensitive to South Asian Muslim women?

2. What is the acceptability of a mosque-based intervention to promote physical activity that is culturally and gender sensitive to South Asian Muslim women?

3. What is the effectiveness of a mosque-based intervention to promote physical activity that is culturally and gender sensitive to South Asian Muslim women?

Detailed Description

South Asian (SA) women (people with origins in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka) living in Ontario have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease (CHD) compared to the general population. Various explanations for these differences have been established, one of which is based on low levels of physical activity in people of SA origin, particularly in Muslim women. Studies suggest that they participate in less physical activity or recreational exercise compared to other SA women. Practical barriers (e.g. lack of time, childcare) are often interwoven with cultural barriers, such as restrictions leaving the home alone to enter mixed-gender settings, and lack of socialization into sporting and other outdoor activities) inhibit participation.

The provision of culturally and gender sensitive facilities, such as women-only exercise sessions at mosques could serve as a solution for Ontario SA Muslim women to be more active. Studies indicate health promotion programs in religious institutions (e.g. churches) have demonstrated clinical and psychosocial benefit to women of various ethnic groups. Similar to Canadian churches, mosques have key elements identified in the literature to be beneficial in providing physical activity opportunities for Muslim women: partnerships, available and accessible space and supportive social relationships.

To the investigators' knowledge, mosque-based physical activity interventions for SA Muslim women have not been implemented and evaluated in Ontario. Such interventions are needed to help attenuate the risk of diabetes and CHD in this ethnic group who represent a significant part of the Ontario population.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
28
Inclusion Criteria
  • Muslim women attending Madinah Mosque
Exclusion Criteria

men

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
ExerciseExerciseA one hour exercise session which includes both aerobic activity and resistance training
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Number of exercise sessions attended10 weeks

Participants are eligible to attend up to 3 exercise sessions per week over a period of 10 weeks. The number of sessions attended will be counted.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in Duke Activity Status Index (DASI)Change from Baseline in DASI at 10 weeks

The DASI is a self-administered questionnaire that measures functional capacity.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Jennifer Price

🇨🇦

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath