The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #46943

Linda Tinson, RN-C, NP¹, Lori M. Riley, MD², Evelyn Bell, MD, MPH², Kyungran Shim, MD¹, and Yolanda Williams, BS, MA³. (1) ACHN, Cook County/Woodlawn Health Center, 6337 South Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, 312-747-7705, mreiki7@msn.com, (2) ACHN, Cook County/Englewood Health Center, 1135 W 69th St, Chicago, IL 60621, (3) Cook County Hospital, 1835 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60612

Problem: Obesity in the U.S. is a significant problem. Approximately 67% of African-American women are overweight, which is a risk factor for diabetes and heart disease. In response to this problem, health professionals plan to develop a weight management program for women in two Chicago low-income, African-American communities. Four focus group discussions were conducted to explore perceptions of: 1) diet and exercise 2) desire to lose weight 3) obstacles to weight management 4) recommendations received from health professionals. Method: Twenty-three women aged 20-69 participated in the groups. Two-thirds of them had Diabetes and/or Hypertension. Results: 1) Many women did not eat a balanced diet as a part of their current lifestyle. “My balanced meal in the morning is grits, bacon, biscuits, and scramble eggs and I balance the plate.” 2) Main reasons for weight loss stated were “to feel better about myself and to have more energy.” 3) Lack of money and time, and family responsibilities were obstacles. “It’s more expensive to eat healthy than unhealthy and I need to choose if I want to eat healthy or pay bills.” 4) No specific advise from primary care provider on how to lose weight. “Diet is eating something I don’t like; a little bite of this…. with little or no seasoning.” Conclusion: Perception of body image, nutrition and obstacles to making healthier life choices is important to account for in the design, implementation and evaluation of behavioral intervention models.

Learning Objectives: In this session participants will

• List specific needs, as identified by the target population, that will assist them in making healthy dietary changes.
• List specific barriers that impede healthy dietary changes in low-income African-American women.
• Recognize what is the perception of a “balanced diet” as expressed by low-income African-American women.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.