Mission
South Asians Active Together (SAATH) is dedicated to improving the health of South Asian (SA) women and girls in partnership with communities through culturally tailored programs.
Why SAATH?
“The research was not reaching the South Asian community so they weren’t necessarily hearing the same messages, they weren’t getting more physically active. And we know that a lot of evidence-based programs — they don’t reach some of the more disadvantaged communities or communities that are isolated because of culture or language or geographic location.”
While the South Asian population is quickly growing in the U.S., this group is underrepresented in research. Thus, there is an increased need for interventions that address heart disease using a culturally tailored method.
South Asians are four times more likely to develop heart disease and diabetes at a younger age compared to many other ethnic groups. They also have a high rate of heart disease risk factors, including low levels of physical activity and poor diet. Improving physical activity, diet, weight, and stress management can reduce heart disease and diabetes risk.
South Asian women and girls are particularly at high risk due to their immigration status, culture and gender norms.
ABOUT THE STUDY
SAATH aims to learn more about how to increase physical activity in South Asian mothers and their adolescent daughters in the U.S..
SAATH is a 4 month research study. You and your daughter have an equal chance of being randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will attend weekly group exercise classes and discussions for 18 weeks and the other group will receive monthly mailings about exercise and be able to join group exercise classes 18 weeks later.
You will have the opportunity to participate in fun South-Asian oriented group discussions and exercise classes virtually or in-person (when safe). You will learn about the importance of being physically active and strategies to become more active while meeting other South Asian mothers and daughters. Group exercise classes are led by our South Asian instructors and include South Asian music and dance in addition to other aerobic and strength exercises. Your participation also supports research in the South Asian community.
We ask participants to come in to a community site two times over the 4 months for us to conduct a short health screening and for you to wear a physical activity monitoring device for one week each time. You will receive compensation for each time you complete this.
“I benefited a lot from the program. Now I feel very light and this has increased my confidence. I was 159 pounds before the program but now I weigh 145 pounds. When I was heavier, I had a lot of problems getting up and walking, and couldn’t sit down. Even after the program has ended, I am continuing to exercise, and it is a great feeling.””
