228003 Salud con Sabor Latino: A longitudinal study of an obesity prevention curriculum in an underserved Latino community

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Christina Araiza, MPH , Esperança, Inc., Phoenix, AZ
Maria Valenzuela , Golden Gate Community Center, Phoenix, AZ
Bonnie Gance-Cleveland, PhD , College of Nursing and Healthcare Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ
Salsa con Sabor Latino is a culturally sensitive obesity prevention curriculum that incorporates the traditions and values of the Latino community and family. The four-week curriculum meets twice a week, and includes an education and cooking component. Key components of the curriculum include: portion size, reading food labels, taking small steps, eating a variety of foods, and the importance of physical activity. The final week includes a supermarket tour and celebration potluck. Participants take ownership of the course by getting actively involved in the teaching modules. Assets of this program are the transferred learning with participants modifying their lifestyles and modeling this for others in their community network. The curriculum is taught in English and Spanish by a bi-cultural Promotora. Participants are primarily low-income and uninsured. Goals of the program are to improve: 1) knowledge of fitness and nutrition, 2) physical activity, 3) healthy eating, and 4) anthropometric measures. This study was a pre- and post- test evaluation of nutrition, physical activity and anthropometrics after the intervention with Latinos (n=82). Results indicated a significant increase in physical activity (t(75) = -6.35, p< .01). For nutrition, there was a significant increase in knowledge (t(59) = -2.58, p = .01); and improved behavior (t(71) = -5.33, p<.01). In addition, waist circumference decreased (t(73)= 5.66, p<.01); body fat percentage decreased (t(71)= 2.50; p=.02); and BMI decreased (t(75)= 3.31, p<.01).

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Diversity and culture
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs

Learning Objectives:
- Identify key elements of a successful obesity prevention curriculum targeting a Latino population - Implement an evaluation of an obesity prevention curriculum targeting an underserved population - Understand key elements to developing a culturally appropriate intervention

Keywords: Obesity, Latinos

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Masters in Public Health that developed and implemented the curriculum; extensive experience in presenting to a broad range of audiences including community groups, funders, health care professionals, etc.
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.