Comienzo Sano: Familia Saludable (Healthy Start: Healthy Family): Culturally and linguistically relevant infant feeding and nutrition with Latina Women, Infant, and Children's program recipients utilizing student community health educators

Latinos are at risk for a myriad of chronic health issues, including overweight and obesity. The prevalence of obesity has doubled in adults and children, and has tripled in adolescents during the past two decades. In 2006, Healthy Cities reported that Latinos represented 68.2% of the overweight and obese in Long Beach, California. Research has also found that dietary behaviors and overweight progress from early childhood and account for numerous health problems in adulthood. The project aimed to reach Latina WIC program recipients (18 and over) in Long Beach, CA. Utilizing formative data collected from focus group participants as well as literature relevant to this population, a five session educational curriculum was developed to increase knowledge regarding: importance of prenatal care, breastfeeding, proper infant feeding nutrition, and physical activity to prevent childhood and maternal obesity. Student community health educators from the Health Science and Nutrition departments at California State University Long Beach were trained in community based research, motivational interviewing, and outreach techniques to deliver the intervention and promote student experiential opportunities, while disseminating the culturally and linguistically relevant curriculum. The project aims to assess breastfeeding duration and exclusivity, as well as the impact of the intervention on participant's knowledge, behavior and beliefs. Implementation strategies and lessons learned will be presented. Community based participatory research programs utilizing students are effective ways of promoting experiential learning while improving nutrition and exercise knowledge and beliefs among underserved Latinos at risk for overweight and obesity.