179994 Clinic Based Nutrition and Lifestyle Counseling: The California Pilot Study

Monday, October 27, 2008

Maureen Farrell, RN, FNP, MHA , Cancer Detection Section, WISEWOMAN Program, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, CA
Toshi Hayashi, PhD , California Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, CA
David A. Rocha, BA , Cancer Detection Section, WISEWOMAN Program, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, CA
Marianne Hernandez, MS , California Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program, WISEWOMAN Program, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, CA
Serra M. Fox, BS , Cancer Detection Section, California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, CA
Clinic Based Nutrition and Lifestyle Counseling

The California Pilot Study

Introduction: In 2006, the California Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation (WISEWOMAN) program began a study designed to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions to improve nutrition and physical activity while reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among low income, uninsured or underinsured Hispanic women.

Program Design: The pilot study utilized a within-site randomized design at four community health centers in Southern California. Women enrolled in the study had abnormal blood pressure or cholesterol, or were on medication for either condition. The enhanced intervention group received a set of lifestyle interventions (LSI) and the minimum group served as a control. The Spanish language intervention materials used in the study were the research tested intervention called Vida Saludable, Corazón Contento! California utilized bilingual, bicultural community health workers (CHWs) to deliver the LSI. The CHWs were well educated, knowledgeable of the Hispanic community, and aware of the barriers and challenges faced by the WISEWOMAN participants.

Program Results: California had notable success in retaining and rescreening clients in the study, which is attributable to a strong rescreening policy, and in using CHWs to build rapport, be a role model, address barriers and offer workable solutions to study participants.

Discussion: The pilot study examined the impact of a culturally appropriate lifestyle intervention in a rarely studied population of underserved Hispanic women. The lessons and successes from this project can be used to improve health for underserved, ethnic minority women.

Learning Objectives:
Learning Objectives 1.Describe the pilot study model utilized by the California Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation (WISEWOMAN) program. 2.Describe the key role of the community health worker in delivering a culturally and linguistically appropriate science based lifestyle intervention aimed at improving nutrition and physical activity behaviors. 3.List the positive influences and advantages in utilizing community health workers in the California study.

Keywords: Heart Disease, Hispanic

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the Program Director for the California pilot study described in the abstract.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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