A community based participatory approach for targeting obesity prevention among Hispanics in rural Kansas: Using the Hispanic Health Needs Assessment tool

Healthy People 2020 states that ethnic health disparities are a priority for the US. Although considerable national statistics document obesity-related health disparities, information specific to rural areas is scarce and does not provide direction for implementing obesity prevention programming. Therefore, the purpose of our project was to undertake the Hispanic Health Needs Assessment, a tool designed by the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, in culturally-diverse rural Southwest Kansas. Methods: The assessment had three parts: (1) gathering of existing health statistics/data at the community, state and national levels for obesity, nutrition and physical activity (2) structured interviews with community leaders involved in Hispanic health issues, and (3) a survey of Hispanic community members regarding their perceptions of their health and health behaviors. Community partners were engaged to guide and assist in the assessment. Results: Examination of existing data documented ethnic health disparities in the region for some conditions, though limited data was available for obesogenic behaviors. Interviews with community leaders (n=16), provided insight into perceptions of the current status of Hispanic health and direction for programming. Surveys of Hispanic community members indicated the sample was overweight, underactive, and not meeting current nutrition guidelines. The findings were consolidated into an official report and presented to local governments, community partners, and the community itself through local news media, townhall presentations. This process has provided our community partners with locally relevant statistics regarding the current status of health, health behaviors, and perceived community needs to inform resource allocation, program planning for new funding initiatives.