Wishing You Health: Addressing Attitudes, Beliefs, and Knowledge of Physical Activity Among Russian-Speaking Newcomers age 50 years and older residing in San Francisco, CA

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Wishing You Health Addressing Attitudes,
Beliefs, and Knowledge of Physical Activity Among
Russian-Speaking Newcomers age 50 years and older
residing in San Francisco, CA
By Katherine Brown, MPHc Mylene A.
Cahambing-Yukhymuk, RN, MPHc John-Vincent D.
Banagan, MPHc San Francisco Department of Public
Health, Newcomers Health Program Patricia Erwin
MPH, Linette Escobar MA
Abstract Physical inactivity is a contributing
factor to chronic illness as people get older.
According to the Newcomers Health Program 2002
report, the Russian-speaking newcomer population
experienced health issues that include chronic
health conditions such as hypertension, heart
disease, diabetes, and obesity. Additional mental
health related issues include depression and
somatization. It is noted that Russian-speaking
males and females exhibit hypertension while in
their mid-20s, a factor leading to premature
deaths, while older Russian-speaking newcomers
exhibit an average loss of 15 years of life from
the U.S. average. In collaboration with the
Newcomers Health Program (NHP) and the Masters in
Public Health (MPH) program at San Francisco
State University, the MPH student team conducted
a community health assessment in which the
purpose was to identify current behavior,
knowledge and attitude of the community as it
relates to physical activity. The student team
conducted 12 key informant interviews with local
service providers that assist the
Russian-speaking newcomer population in San
Francisco. Their insight offers ideas of how to
address barriers and limitations, as well as
highlight the strengths and resources within this
community related to physical activity. The
information collected will provide a foundation
for future studies for this population- as well
as help in the development and deployment of
resources within this community.
Contact Department of Health Education San
Francisco State University MPH Program, HSS
326 1600 Holloway Avenue San Francisco, CA
94132 [phone] jbanagan_at_sfsu.edu