No time to pause: Physical activity to improve health and well-being of midlife Hispanic women during the menopausal transition

The menopausal transition (MT) in midlife is a critical juncture where women experience life transitions and adverse physiological and psychological changes that increase the risk for hypertension (HTN) and cardiovascular diseases in later life. Physical activity (PA) improves blood pressure (BP), biomarkers of HTN, sleep, mood, and well-being; however, Hispanic women meet PA at lower levels than non-Hispanic White women. A potential explanation is that interventions to increase objectively measured PA are rarely designed to engage, measure, and test the key mechanisms responsible for PA behavior. In addition, contextually appropriate PA interventions specific to the needs of midlife Hispanic women are lacking. The purpose of the proposed mixed-methods K23 Patient-Oriented Research Mentored Career Development Award aims provide the necessary training, mentorship, and research to fill the current gaps in the PA literature. The training and mentorship objectives of the proposed K23 project build upon the candidate’s previous training and clinical experience as a registered nurse to focus on the following four areas: 1) understand the menopausal- and aging-related health and endocrine changes of midlife women; 2) develop and evaluate interventions targeting behavior change mechanisms based on the NIH Stage Model; 3) increase proficiency in employing community-based participatory research and cultural competence; and 4) accelerate professional advancement and leadership development. The candidate has assembled a mentoring team consisting of renowned leaders and experts in aging, menopause, behavior change, intervention development and testing, community engagement, and Hispanic health to guide her throughout the K23 award period.