This study examined the effects of a family-based health promotion intervention on the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity, sedentary behavior, and fruit and vegetable intake of African American parents. Eighty-nine African American parents (41.5 +/- 8.5 years; 92% females; 74% obese; 64% < $40K income) and adolescents (12.5 +/- 1.4 years; 61% girls; 48% obese) were randomized to a 6-week behavioral skills plus positive parenting and peer monitoring intervention grounded in social cognitive, self-determination, and family systems theories or a general health comparison program. Parents wore accelerometers for 7 days and completed three 24-h dietary recalls at baseline and post-intervention. Multilevel regression models (controlling for baseline variables) demonstrated a significantly greater increase in parent MVPA for those in the intervention versus comparison condition (b 9.44, SE 4.26, p < 0.05). There were no other significant effects. Family-based approaches that include African American parents and youth may increase parent MVPA and hold promise for preventing chronic diseases.

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