The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

5075.0: Wednesday, November 19, 2003 - 9:00 AM

Abstract #71449

Promoting changes in health behavior and attitudes among midlife African American women

Eleanor Brown, LifeLong: Sisters Staying Healthy, 2531 Sawtelle Boulevard #180, Los Angeles, CA 90064, (310) 859-5890, Mile9@UCLAlumni.net and Carol Bell, RN, MA, Preventive Health Care for the Aging, CA Department of Health Services, PO Box 942732, Sacramento, CA 94234-7320.

This presentation describes the successful implementation of a grassroots education and outreach program for perimenopausal African American women in South Central Los Angeles, California. The results point to the need for culturally-sensitive programming to reach the growing population of older African American women and the potential for successful interventions. Recognizing significant ethnic disparities in life expectancy for underserved women, the mission of the project is to inform, empower and connect women to resources, in order to help them to make positive changes in attitudes and behaviors that will contribute to longevity and quality of life by offering low-cost interactive health education seminars in relaxed settings. This presentation will focus on the outcome of seminars held in a low income area that has some of the poorest health outcomes in Los Angeles County. The purpose of the seminars are to foster the development of health awareness among women 40 years of age and older from underserved populations and ultimately have a favorable impact on the reduction of chronic illness and poor quality of life among women in this population.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Minority Health, Menopause

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.

Older Women's Health and Well-being

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA