Formative research for a community-based message-framing intervention.

OBJECTIVE To inform a community-based message framing intervention encouraging physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption among medically underserved adults. METHOD Key informant interviews, focus groups, and a survey were conducted with limited-literacy Hispanics in the northeastern United States. RESULTS Barriers to healthy lifestyle behaviors exist at individual, community, and policy levels. A strong degree of networking among local organizations and elected officials exists that can be used to encourage healthy lifestyle initiatives. CONCLUSIONS Community-based health communication interventions must address neighborhood realities, the literacy levels of the target population, and existing networks of providers and consumers.