Programs that seek to prevent chronic disease often focus on individual behaviors without addressing the context in which these behaviors are practiced. The influence of both the family and community environments on individual ability to achieve and sustain behavior change should be integrated into prevention strategies. Furthermore, a comprehensive approach must include systems’ level strategies that focus on governmental, school, and workplace policy development that promotes chronic disease prevention and facilitates and supports individual behavior change. In this panel, presenters will describe the creation and implementation of three comprehensive diabetes prevention and control models that are being implemented and evaluated in U.S.-Mexico Border communities. Many of the strategies being employed in these models are applicable in the prevention of other chronic diseases. The models themselves are being evaluated for adaptability to individual communities. Specific prevention strategies encompassed in the models will be described in detail. These include patient education and support, family support and primary prevention, closing gaps in diabetes care, and using the Center for Disease Control School Health Index to address health policy in elementary schools.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the panel, participants will have the skills to 1) discuss the various components of a comprehensive chronic disease prevention model on the individual, community and systems level; 2) apply the framework of a chronic disease prevention model to a specific community; and 3) develop strategies to address chronic disease prevention and control within the patient, family and school context.
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Abstract withdrawn per Jennifer's request on 9/26.
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.