APPLE: Development of a Lifestyle Program for South Asian Immigrant Women

Objectives: This paper describes the development and preliminary evaluation of an innovative 12-month group-based lifestyle intervention for South Asian immigrant women. Methods: We developed a 2-phase intervention based on Situated Learning Theory. Phase 1 involves creating community among participants, providing education, and supporting behavior change through goal-setting and improved health practices. Phase 2 is designed as a maintenance phase in which participants take over leadership of the groups. Twenty-eight participants were enrolled in a feasibility study. Results: Women described a number of cultural and social barriers to participation and weight gain. Despite these impediments, program satisfaction and retention in the program were high. Body weight was reduced by 5.8% during Phase 1. Barriers to implementation were encountered in Phase 2. Conclusions: We argue that SLT has potential for shaping new models of health interventions.