The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #48304

Charlene Acker, Genesee County Community Action Resource Department (GCCARD), 601 N. Saginaw St., Suite 1B, Flint, MI 48502, Srimathi Kannan, PhD, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health Human Nutrition Program, 1420 Washington Heights, School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, Ella Greene-Moton, Health Awareness Center/Flint Odyssey House Inc., 1225 Martin Luther King Avenue, Flint, MI 48503, (810) 238-0483, cacker01@hotmail.com, Elizabeth Tropiano, MS, Health Sciences and Administration, University of Michigan-Flint, 303 E. Kearsley, 402 MSB, Flint, MI 48502, and Sharon Sheldon, MPH, MFit Health Promotion Division, University of Michigan Health System, 2850 S. Industrial, Ste. 600, Ann Arbor, MI 48167.

A Genesee County, Michigan consortium received a grant from CDC to reduce disparities in infant mortality (REACH 2010). In order to alleviate such disparities, it was felt that micronutrient needs in relation to healthy eating status needed to be addressed. As part of the initiative, a "healthy eating" and nutrition education intervention was planned. Twelve senior African American women drawn from the Area Action Council participated in three focus groups. The objectives of the focus group were to identify perceived facilitators and barriers to eating healthy for women of childbearing age, to assess the perceived influence of seniors on young women, and to utilize the information gained from the focus group to inform the nutrition curriculum. Data analysis was done by general content and specific content coding. Following is a general summary of the findings. Many of the participants felt that time constraints and lack of knowledge were the major barriers to eating healthy among younger women. They believe the younger women do not know how to prepare healthy meals and that many of the women eat out much of the time due to their schedules. The participants also mentioned the influence of substance abuse and environmental factors such as limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables on healthy eating. In summary, the older women expressed an eagerness to reach out, support and teach the younger women. They suggested educational workshops and culinary skill building classes as a mechanism to reach the younger women.

Learning Objectives:

1)Identify key elements to be considered when developing and implementing an African American-centered nutrition education curriculum
• Describe relevant themes that were identified by the focus group and assess that information as it pertains to the local community of interest.
• Appreciate and recognize the importance of focus groups and community involvement to inform one's research and/or project in public health.

Keywords: African American, Culture

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.