Date of Paper/Work

5-2016

Type of Paper/Work

Research Project

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy

Department

Occupational Science/Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Stephanie de Sam Lazaro

Department/School

Occupational Therapy

Abstract

This Master’s project aimed to address the health disparity in physical activity for the refugee and immigrant community through an educational and occupational therapy approach at MORE in St. Paul, MN. The purpose of the Master’s project will address the Healthy Leading Indicator of physical activity with the students at MORE in St. Paul, MN (Healthy People, 2014). The organization is dedicated to empowering refugees and immigrants within the community to meet their basic needs including services in education, advocacy, and mental health of their clients (MORE, n.d.). The mission is to provide resources and overall support to help members fully participate and engage in the community (MORE, n.d.). A needs assessment was completed including interviews with key stakeholders of the organization. In addition, refugee mentor stories and classroom observations were used to inform the interventions conducted and identified the needs and teaching strategies of the English language learners at MORE. The outcomes were measured through observation forms and post picture surveys. Through four educational sessions on physical activities and health, the short-term goal was to increase the physical activity level of the students at MORE within the contexts of their daily life such as during their English class, at work, or at home. The long-term goal was to provide a sustainable and culturally relevant physical activity program within the population served at MORE that will reduce the risk of health related conditions.

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