ERIC Number: EJ1209387
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
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Available Date: N/A
The Case for Hair Health in Health Education: Exploring Hair and Physical Activity among Urban African American Girls
American Journal of Health Education, v50 n2 p135-145 2019
Background: African American adolescent girls have the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity and the lowest levels of physical activity when compared to their peers, putting them at risk for a future of chronic diseases. Data from several studies have identified hair management as a perceived barrier to physical activity among African American women. However, the literature is deficient in identifying this barrier among girls. Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the relationship between cultural hair practices and physical activity in physical education (PE) class among urban African American girls. Methods: Fifty African American females, 14 to19 years old, were administered questions relating to (PE) physical activity and cultural hair practices. Results: Including hair health in Health Education to teach participants how to maintain hairstyles during in-school physical activity could ameliorate challenges to being physically active in physical education class due to hair practices. Discussion: This study provides important insights for culturally tailoring Health Education interventions in order to promote in-school physical activity. Translation to Health Education Practice: Health Education aimed at this population should include hair health as a facilitator to address challenges to physical activity in hopes of reducing obesity.
Descriptors: African American Students, Females, High School Students, Physical Activities, Physical Activity Level, Urban Youth, Health Education, Adolescents, African American Culture, Obesity, Physical Education, Human Body, Correlation, Physical Characteristics, Health Promotion
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A