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Abstract #154038

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Amelie Ramirez, DrPH, Kipling Gallion, MA, and Patricia Chalela, DrPH. Dept of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 8702 Callaghan Rd, Suite 110, San Antonio, TX 78230, 210 348 0255, ramirezag@uthscsa.edu

Obesity has reached epidemic levels, with nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population considered overweight or obese. Latinos have one of the highest rates of overweight, obesity and sedentary lifestyle. Mexican American adults are especially affected, with the highest rates among females. Research of scientifically sound evidence-based interventions to reduce the disproportionate burden of obesity and its associated morbidity and mortality among Latinas is greatly needed. The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes and behaviors about nutrition and exercise among Latinas over 40 years of age residing in a low-income community in Houston, Texas and the applicability of an evidence-based church program to promote energy balance. Qualitative assessment was conducted through 10 focus groups with 75 women recruited through three Catholic churches, and 15 personal interviews with community leaders serving this Latino community. Participants identified barriers and enabling factors to healthy nutrition and physical activity. Main barriers were related to lack of awareness, cultural beliefs, and socioeconomic and environmental factors. Preferred strategies were those involving group activities with direct guidance, interpersonal contact, social support with positive reinforcement for behavior change and/or maintenance, and a friendly environment for learning and achieving suitable goals. The church was considered a powerful resource to influence Latinas to improve their health, exercise and nutrition practices. Using the church environment to reach this group is a feasible and culturally appropriate strategy. It would provide a safe, comfortable and familiar atmosphere for women and address safety concerns of family members.

Learning Objectives:

• -Identify the most common barriers to healthy nutrition and physical activity faced by Latinas participating in the study
• -Identify the most common factors that encourage healthy nutrition and physical activity among Latinas participating in the study
• -Discuss key strategies for developing a church-based intervention to reach this specific group

Keywords: Nutrition, Physical Activity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

• Audio (mp3) recording
• Slides (pdf) or Handout
• Multimedia recording