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| Finding out what factors influence New Orleans residents to lead an active lifestyle is part of a research effort led by Jeanette Gustat, clinical assistant professor of epidemiology at Tulane. (Photo by Paula Burch-Celentano) |
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Tulane University public health researchers are studying three New Orleans neighborhoods, looking for ways to nudge residents toward more active, healthier lifestyles. The study, Partnership for an Active Community Environment, or PACE, is the core research project of the Prevention Research Center at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.
Increased physical activity is strongly linked with improved health, and the PACE study is investigating the many factors, both physical and social, that influence people's decisions about how active they will be, according to Jeanette Gustat, clinical assistant professor of epidemiology at Tulane and principal investigator of the study.
The researchers chose three areas to study that have similar demographic makeup, Gustat says -- the upper Ninth Ward, the Seventh Ward and the area of uptown New Orleans adjoining the Jefferson Parish line.
Investigators began a survey of the neighborhoods in September 2006. The survey staff, which includes community members and Tulane public health students, is collecting data on health and activity within individual households as well as observing patterns of physical activity throughout the neighborhoods.
When the initial survey is completed early next year, the researchers will consult with community representatives to design interventions that will increase the physical activity levels and improve the health of the residents.
The interventions will be both environmental -- such as repairing sidewalks, improving street lighting or renovating playgrounds -- and social, including training neighborhood volunteers to work as lay health advisers. The advisers will help get residents interested in health, physical activity and how to improve their lives.
The Tulane Prevention Research Center and its PACE project are funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
