Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This program developed and tested two 8-week culturally sensitive healthy weight programs for Latinos, one for males and one for females. Programs included a curriculum and manual in Spanish. The programs were developed based on previous work by the investigators and 4 focus groups (2 for females, n=20, and 2 for males (n=20) to determine culturally relevant themes and intervention topics. The intervention was tested with 5 groups of females (n=93) and 5 groups of males (n=50). Although 93 females completed baseline assessments, the intervention group consisted of 72 Latinas who participated (attended more than the initial assessment). Of these participants, 70 completed all classes and provided post data (97% completion) and 62 provided 18-week follow-up data (86% retention). Among males 50, completed baseline assessments but the intervention group consisted of 46 Latinos who participated. Of these participants, 36 completed all classes and provided post data (78% completion) and 23 provided 18-week follow-up data (50% retention). The program was revised based on participant feedback and an English version of the manual was developed. We are in the process of printing Spanish and English manuals to be used by EFNEP paraprofessionals in delivering this program to the community in 2009. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Geoffrey Greene, PhD, RD, LDN (PD), Linda Sebelia MS, RD, LDN (PD) and Elena Stone, MD, RD, LDN (Project Director) developed the curriculum and manual. The intervention including recruitment, assessment and provision of the eight lessons was provided by Elena Stone, MS, RD and paraprofessional assistants. Partner Organizations: Five community based organizations provided space for the interventions and assisted with recruitment (Progresso Latino, South Side Ministries, Even Start, Dorcas Place, and St. Theresa's). Collaborators: The University of Rhode Island EFNEP program provided assistance with recruitment, intervention development, preparation of intervention materials and data management. The University of Rhode Island Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences provided support for the PD's, space for meetings and administrative support. Training: two paraprofessionals were trained in assessment and intervention delivery. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences: The target audience was low-income Latinos recruited through community organizations. Efforts: An 8-week culturally sensitive Healthy Weight Management intervention for males and female Latinos was developed based on qualitative research in this population. The intervention included a curriculum and a manual in Spanish. Ten groups were conducted with 72 female and 46 male participants. The manuals in Spanish were translated into English and for a general population. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
This project has the potential to disseminate weight gain prevention interventions to vulnerable populations. A decrease in excessive weight gain will reduce disease risk and improve health in Latinos and other low-income populations. Although the Latino community is hard to reach with conventional programming due to economic and immigration issues, the program for females was well received by the participants (97% completion) and participants were successful in preventing short-term weight gain and improving eating and exercise behaviors. Fewer males participated in the program and only 78% completed it. However, immigration and economic issues were more acute at the time of the male groups. Alternative delivery mechanisms for males need to be explored in future research. Nevertheless, the healthy weight management program appeared to improve nutrition and exercise behaviors in this vulnerable population and the program will be delivered in English and Spanish by EFNEP paraprofessionals to community in 2009. Grant proposals for assessing the efficacy of the proposed EFNEP delivered interventions will be developed.
Publications
- Greene, GW, Sebelia, L, Greaney, M, Lynch, B, Stone, E, Sands, F. 2007. Attitudes towards diet, exercise, and body image in Latino women: Focus group results. J Am Diet Assoc 107 Suppl 3:A97 (abstract).
- Greene, GW, Sebelia, L, Stone, E. 2008. A Healthy Eating and Exercise Program for Latinas. Poster presented at International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Banff, CA, May 21-24.
- Greene, GW, Sebelia, L, Stone, E. 2008. Evaluation of a culturally sensitive healthful eating and activity program for Latinas. Poster presented at Society for Nutrition Education, Atlanta, GA, July 20-22.
- Stone, E, Greene, G.W., Sebelia, L. Acceptability of a culturally tailored nutrition and physical activity program for Latinas. Poster presented at Society for Behavioral Medicine, San Francisco, CA March 2007.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: In the twelve months covered by this reporting period, 4 focus groups have been conducted and transcribed (2 for females, n=20, and 2 for males (n=20), an 8-week intervention for females developed, and 5 groups for Latinas conducted. Although 93 Latinas completed baseline assessments, the intervention group consisted of 72 Latinas who participated (attended more than the initial assessment). Of these participants, 70 completed all classes and provided post data (97% completion) and 62 provided 18-week follow-up data (86% retention). The program was revised and tailored for males based on results of the focus groups. Groups for males will be conducted Spring 2008 with a similar sample anticipated.
PARTICIPANTS: PI's: Geoffrey Greene, professor; and Linda Sebelia, Educator IV. Graduate Assistant: Lucinda Arias. Runs focus groups: Elena Stone.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Spanish speaking, low income, Latinos with a low level of acculturation.
Impacts
OUTCOMES: Among the 62 participants with follow-up data, mean age=38 years and acculturation was extremely low (mean=1.48 on a 5-point scale). BMI decreased (baseline mean=29.8; follow-up mean=29.2; p<0.001). Weight (lbs) decreased from baseline (mean=166.1) to follow-up (mean=162.8)(F=14.8, p<.001), and waist circumference (cm) decreased (baseline mean=106.8; follow-up mean=96.2; F=61.6, p<.001). Fat intake decreased by 2% kcal (p<0.05), walking increased by 105 minutes/week (p<0.001), TFEQ uncontrolled eating decreased by 3.6% (p<0.001) and emotional eating decreased by 9.6% (p<0.001). TFEQ cognitive restraint increased at post but was not different from baseline at follow-up; FV intake was unchanged. There was a trend towards an increase in perceived FV intake (cups) (baseline mean=2.86; follow-up mean=3.40; F=3.4, p=.10). A greater proportion were in Action/Maintenance for 5 cups FV/day at follow-up (70%) than baseline (50%;chi square=6.2, p<.05), and fewer
classified themselves as exercising < 30 min/day at follow-up (31%) than baseline (71%; McNemar=22.0, p<.001). There was a trend towards a difference in perceived fat intake=low at follow-up (37%) compared to baseline (18%; McNemar=6.5, p=.088). IMPACTS: This project has the potential to disseminate weight gain prevention interventions to this vulnerable population. A decrease in excessive weight gain will reduce disease risk and improve health in Latinos.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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