Oral

A panel of investigators from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) will present findings from four community-based intervention research studies conducted with the aim of reducing health disparities. The first study will provide findings from a study to increase diabetes self-management among African Americans. A second study describes the outcomes of an evaluation of an innovative educational intervention to promote positive breast health behavior among Latinas in south Los Angeles. The third study provides information about factors that contribute to increased participation in colorectal screening among African Americans. The fourth study describes the impact of a culturally oriented low he alth literacy education program on diabetes knowledg and self-care behavior among Hispanics with diabetes. All presenters will discuss effective strategies for reaching the various population groups, lessons learned, public policy issues and implications. We believe the findings from these studies will contribute to the knowledge base regarding effective strategies for reaching African American and Hispanic American populations and assisting with health behavior change that will improve their health status and reduce health disparities.

Session Objectives: Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Discuss the effectiveness of a diabetes self-management program with African Americans in a community with high rates of diabetes complications. 2. Discuss the impact of a culturally oriented low health literacy education program on knowledge of diabetes and self care behaviors among Hispanics with diabetes. 3. Describe the outcomes of an evaluation of a novel educational intervention to promote Positive Breast Health Behaviors among Latinas residing in south Los Angeles. 4. Describe the factors that have contributed to increased participation in colorectal screening among African Americans.