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

Abstract #72985

Malati Chenik, RD, MPH¹, Ruth Braun, PHN, MSN¹, Gale D. Spears², and Nina L. Cossy². (1) Cancer Detection Section Programs: Every Woman Counts, 601 North 7th St., MS 428, PO Box 942732, Sacramento, CA 94234-7320, 916/323-4761, mchenik@dhs.ca.gov, (2) Health Education Council, 3950 Industrial Blvd, Suite 600, West Sacramento, CA 95691

There is limited literature on nutrition and physical activity trends among the medically underserved. A disproportionate burden of chronic diseases that are lifestyle related exists in underserved communities. Assessment of lifestyle risks and interventions to reduce them are often not provided as routine preventive services in clinical practice. Available literature has suggested that low income underserved women are not interested in improving their health through healthy lifestyle activities. This project found that given the opportunity, low income Latina women are indeed interested. We also found that they made the needed lifestyle changes when they had access to health education about nutrition and physical activity that is culturally and linguistically appropriate.

A premise of the project was that health care providers are the vital link for program success i.e., they are the gatekeepers who can motivate their patients to invest in their health via education. It was found that providers need on-site access to a health educator to provide health education counseling when providers introduce patients to the health educator.

Input from medical providers and patients was used to develop the project and implement the educational sessions at the clinic. Patient feedback was valuable in settingup clinic systems and addressing patient barriers. A bi-cultural health educator was hired. This allowed the clinic to provide nutrition education and physical activity sessions that were individualized to the needs of patients. The state public health nutrition consultant provided consultation in all phases of the project and was essential to the success of the project.

Learning Objectives:

Participants at the end of the Poster Session will be able to: Understand the role of a state consultant with local programs, to:
• Facilitate the setting-up programs and systems for the target population in the clinics for patient education.
• Consultation in developing the assessment form to determine perception regarding healthy lifestyles, access and opportunities for patients.
• Factors to consider in the development of culturally appropriate resources to provide nutrition and physical activity education to patients served at clinics.
• Work with providers and patients at clinic sites for effective counseling and education.
• Assure that a mechanism is in-place for making appropriate patient referrals and in tracking follow-up and documenting success of patient health outcomes.

Keywords: Behavior Modification, Behavioral Research

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.