Family Health History Intervention Among Hispanic Immigrants in Utah

The primary purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which family health history (FHH) education has an impact on perception of chronic disease risk among Hispanic immigrants. This study is the first attempt among Hispanic immigrants that aims to assess (1) how FHH is viewed as a risk factor for chronic disease and (2) to determine the impact of a FHH learning module on the importance of FHH in changing attitudes and behaviors among participants.

A FHH educational module will be taught among participants to determine whether it impacts, attitudes and behavior regarding chronic disease risk and FHH collection among Hispanic individuals. This study will employ a quasi-experimental design with pretest and posttest measures. Two groups, a test and a control, will be established with approximately fifty individuals per group.

Results from this study could impact the type of health messages and educational methods directed among Hispanics in Utah. By encouraging people to provide health care providers with relevant and sufficient family health information, early screening, diagnoses, and treatment could be provided before adverse changes brought about by disease become irreversible. Other family members who share the same risks for chronic disease such as spouse and children could be encouraged to adopt healthy habits and lifestyles.