266470 Living in a Choice Environment: Empowering Women to Make Sustainable Behavioral Changes

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 : 9:10 AM - 9:30 AM

O. Fahina Tavake-Pasi, MS , National Tongan American Society, Salt Lake City, UT
Sara Simonsen, CNM, PhD , Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Kathleen Digre, MD , Center of Excellence in Women's Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Leanne Johnston, BS , Center of Excellence in Women's Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Heather Aiono, MEd , Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Community Engagement Core, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Steve Alder, PhD , Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Community Engagement Core, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Louisa Stark, PhD , Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Community Engagement Core, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Valentine Mukundente , Best of Africa, West Valley, UT
Ed Napia, EdD , Urban Indian Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Ivoni Nash, BS , National Tongan American Society, Salt Lake City, UT
France A. Davis, MMC, MMin , Calvary Baptist Church, Salt Lake City, UT
Sylvia Rickard, President , Utah Hispanic Health Care Task Force, Salt Lake City, UT
Doriena Lee , Calvary Baptist Church, Salt Lake City, UT
Grant Sunada, MPH , Utah Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, Utah Department of Health, Salt Lake City, UT
Brenda Ralls, PhD , Utah Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, Utah Department of Health, Salt Lake City, UT
Meghan Chirpich, BS , Genetic Science Learning Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Background: In Utah, rates of obesity for individuals in minority populations can be more than double the rates for non-Hispanic whites. This disparity is especially pronounced for women. Public health interventions that focus only on behavioral changes may have short-term results. Consideration of the underlying social and cultural determinants may be the key to long-term success and sustained improvements in health behaviors. Methods: In 2011, the Utah Women's Health Coalition partnered with Community Faces of Utah (CFU) to conduct focus groups to identify the fundamental challenges to weight loss experienced by women in underserved communities. CFU is a coalition representing five diverse populations (Africans, African Americans, American Indians, Hispanic/Latinos, and Pacific Islanders). A series of discussions were held using a community-based participatory research approach. Twelve women participated in each discussion (n=60). Results: Common themes crossed all communities. Women's food selections may be restricted by their husband's preferences or his imposed budget. Men often select family activities that limit women's exercise time. Low income intensifies women's lack of choice. Nevertheless, women are viewed as role models and responsible for the family's health. Both coalitions are using focus group findings to develop interventions to empower women to overcome the subordinating effects of their social norms. Conclusions: Interventions can educate women about lifestyle choices, but without a supportive environment, changes may not be sustainable. Understanding the social determinants that influence choice is essential if the interventions are to be successful. Addressing the environmental context may be especially important for women in disadvantaged communities.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Chronic disease management and prevention
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Identify how important gender differences in household roles affects women’s options Describe the importance of incorporating social determinants into public health interventions Explain how self-efficacy and empowerment help women sustain engagement in healthful behaviors

Keywords: Minority Health, Women's Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: As executive director of the National Tongan American Society (NTAS), I have played a substantial role in the work featured in this abstract. I have developed successful tailored, community interventions, one of which was highlighted as a Best Practice by the American Diabetes Association. I serve on the Utah Martin Luther King Commission, APHA Asian Pacific Islander Caucus Executive Committee, Utah Judicial Council Diversity Subcommittee, Ethnic Immigration Committee, and Asian Pacific Islander National Research Association.
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.