305967
Impact of a community-based behavior intervention on health status of older Latinas
Background: Poor diet and physical inactivity can have a significant impact on health status of Americans, particularly among older, minority, and female populations. Older Latinas are particularly vulnerable for unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and the resultant chronic diseases and conditions.
Purpose: The “Abuelas en Acción/ Grandmothers in Action” (AEA) program explored the feasibility of implementing a behavioral change program to improve older Latina health status through physical activity, nutrition and stress management.
Methods: Latinas age 50+ (M = 64, SD = 9) residing in a Latino Chicago community were invited to participate in AEA, a culturally sensitive program that incorporated both intergenerational activities and religious content. The program was delivered at a local Roman Catholic Church by trained community volunteers. AEA consisted of an individual meeting, six educational workshops, and follow-up phone calls. Health status information was assessed from 19 participants who completed the program. Also, 15 in-depth interviews were conducted.
Results: Participants reported significant improvements in health status (M=2.65 SD=.79) after the intervention when compared to baseline (M=2.29 SD= .91), especially those individuals living with family members (z=-2.134, p= .03), and those who received the religious content curriculum (baseline M=2.62 SD=.96 and post M=2 SD=.58) (z=-2.428, p=.02). Participants indicated improvements in their social well-being and attitudes towards life as well as feeling more positive and energized.
Conclusions: The AEA project was successful in improving health status of older Latinas.
Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programsChronic disease management and prevention
Diversity and culture
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Other professions or practice related to public health
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Learning Objectives:
Demonstrate the role that a culturally sensitive behavior change program has on improving the health status of older Latinas. Identify factors that contributed to the self-reported health status of Older Latinas. Describe future programming implications of this behavior intervention program.
Keyword(s): Aging, Minority Health
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a doctoral candidate in Community Health at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign interested in older minority health.
Previous work with the HRSA-funded Iowa Geriatric Education Center has provided me experience with creating educational curriculum, disseminating information, and project management. I completed a literature review on physical activity and nutrition in older Latina women and intergenerational programming.
This background has prepared me to participate in the study with older Latina women.
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.