Minority youth leaders in action (MYLA): Empowering Latino and black youth to address obesity-related disparities

BACKGROUND: Using Freire's Empowerment Education Model, we developed and tested MYLA; an innovative community-based culturally tailored intervention delivered during summer camp in Los Angeles. The purpose was to empower Latino and Black youth (ages 14-17) to reduce health disparities by addressing obesity in their communities. METHODS: Using mixed methods, the team assessed empowerment (perception of ability to positively change one's own behavior and impact their community), self-efficacy to engage in community action to combat obesity and develop and initiate local community action plans to prevent obesity at the community level. Improvements in dietary intake and physical activity were observed RESULTS: Thirty-eight (n=38) students participated in camp activities. Qualitative analysis of youths' journal entries revealed themes of personal empowerment and increased awareness of community health; as well as identification of environmental barriers to health. Pre and post test data indicated increases in personal empowerment and self-efficacy. Participants reported newly adopted healthy behaviors and sharing of obesity prevention information with family members. Youth's action plans included development of nutrition and physical activity pamphlets in English and Spanish, sugary beverage demonstration for lower grades, letters to decision-makers, short films, and art depicting food deserts. Lack of safety, food insecurity, unstable family environments, limited family support, and presence of trash were barriers to physical activity and healthy eating. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention had a positive impact on empowerment to combat obesity. However, Latino and Black youth face important social challenges to consider if we are to obtain sustained changes in obesity locally and globally.