Cuidemos Nuestra Salud Con Una Vida Balanceada - Assessing a Promotores de Salud Approach to Increasing Awareness, Knowledge, and Behavioral Intent Relating to Obesity Prevention in Hispanic Communities

Hispanics have higher rates of obesity than non-Hispanic Whites due, in part, to cultural and structural factors that influence dietary and exercise behaviors. Given the growth of the population and the high rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic diseases among Latinos, the need for culturally and linguistically appropriate programs to reduce and prevent obesity has never been greater.

To address this need, the National Council of La Raza, in collaboration with the PepsiCo Foundation and Latino community-based organizations, developed and implemented Cuidemos Nuestra Salud Con Una Vida Balanceada (Taking Care of Our Health with a Balanced Lifestyle), a promotores de salud-driven (lay health educator) obesity-prevention program for Hispanic adults. Focus group research and a comprehensive literature review informed the content of a tool kit for promotores, which includes a bilingual flipchart, workshop guide, and educational resources. Promotores de salud disseminate information and materials to Latinos via charlas (community education sessions) using the tool kit. Key messages include increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, portion control, and beginning and maintaining a regular physical activity routine. The program aims to increase the knowledge of Latino adults regarding obesity prevention and ultimately help reduce the incidence, burden, and impact of overweight.

Program participants completed pre- and post-tests and a sub-sample received a three-month follow-up to determine changes in knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and behavior change after attending a charla. Results from the project will be used to create other programs, inform policy development, and increase our understanding of obesity in the Hispanic population.